What Does Sleep Apnea Sound Like?

Obstructive sleep apnea may cause loud, irregular snoring, followed by quiet pauses and gasping, snorting, or choking sounds. However, not everyone with sleep apnea snores or makes noticeable sounds, and sounds alone cannot confirm the condition. Breathing pauses associated with sleep apnea last at least 10 seconds and may end with gasping, snorting, or choking as breathing resumes. Partners often describe hearing the person "fighting for air" or making gurgling noises. The snoring differs from regular snoring because it's inconsistent and interrupted by these alarming breathing disruptions. Sleep apnea is common and often goes undiagnosed. Repeated breathing pauses, gasping, or choking during sleep should prompt a medical evaluation, but these sounds alone do not establish a diagnosis.