Is Your Snoring a Sign of Sleep Apnea?

Snoring may be a nuisance, but for some people it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a common condition that disrupts breathing during sleep and can have serious health consequences if left untreated.In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Ana Krieger, director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about what causes snoring, how sleep apnea develops, and why so many people unknowingly live with the condition.Dr. Krieger explains how sleep affects virtually every system in the body, from the brain and cardiovascular system to memory and cognitive function. She discusses common symptoms of sleep apnea, risk factors such as age, weight changes, alcohol use, and menopause, and the importance of testing when symptoms arise.The conversation also explores treatment options ranging from CPAP therapy and dental devices to newer treatment approaches, while offering practical advice for improving sleep hygiene and building habits that support better sleep and long-term health.Chapters00:00 – Snoring, Sleep Apnea, and What Causes ThemWhat happens in the airway during sleep, why people snore, and how sleep apnea develops04:00 – Symptoms and Warning Signs of Sleep ApneaCommon symptoms, hidden signs, risk factors, and why many people don't realize they have sleep apnea06:30 – How Sleep Affects the Brain and BodyThe role of sleep in memory, cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being10:45 – Sleep Apnea Treatments and Better Sleep HabitsCPAP therapy, dental devices, newer treatment options, and practical tips for improving sleep hygieneKey Topics CoveredSnoringSleep apneaObstructive sleep apneaSleep disordersSleep studiesSleep testingSleep healthCognitive healthMemory and sleepBrain healthCardiovascular healthAtrial fibrillationSleep deprivationSleep qualityCPAP therapyMandibular advancement devicesSleep apnea treatmentsSleep hygieneInsomnia and stressMenopause and sleep apneaAlcohol and sleepHealthy sleep habitsBreathing during sleepSleep medicineKey TakeawaySnoring is often harmless, but it can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a common condition that affects breathing, sleep quality, and overall health. Recognizing symptoms early, seeking evaluation when needed, and prioritizing healthy sleep habits can help improve sleep, protect brain and heart health, and enhance quality of life.Doctor BioDr. Ana Krieger is director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine. She is a professor of clinical medicine in the Departments of Medicine, Neurology and Genetic Medicine and chief of the Sleep Neurology Division in the Department of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine. She is a board certified specialist in Sleep Medicine by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.Dr. Krieger also holds board certifications in internal medicine and pulmonary medicine and has a master’s degree in global public health with emphasis in healthcare policy and management. Over the past 25 years, Dr. Krieger has been actively involved in providing comprehensive patient care in sleep medicine, overseeing the Center for Sleep Medicine, a group practice that evaluates over 1,000 patients each month in New York City.She is also actively involved in medical and subspecialty education and research. As a clinician scientist, Dr. Krieger is the principal investigator in collaborative multidisciplinary research projects in sleep medicine and has published extensively in the field.Her current research is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation. She serves as Chair of the Mentored to Independence (MTI) K99/R00 grant review committee at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at the NIH. Dr. Krieger is an active lecturer, regularly contributing to media efforts aiming at improving sleep health in the population. She is a Robert Wood Johnson Scholar, and Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, American College of Chest Physicians and American Academy of Sleep Medicine.