Welcome to our Sleep & Snoring Glossary, designed to help you better understand medical and technical terms related to snoring and sleep quality. Whether you’re just curious or looking for precise information to improve your sleep, this glossary provides clear and concise explanations.

A

Sleep Apnea – A sleep disorder characterized by repeated breathing pauses (10 to 30 seconds or more) during sleep. This can cause frequent awakenings and excessive daytime fatigue. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form, often linked to snoring.
Enlarged Tonsils – Swelling of the tonsils, often causing airway obstruction, leading to snoring, especially in children.

B

Nasal Strips – Adhesive strips applied to the nose to open the nostrils, improving nasal breathing and reducing snoring caused by nasal congestion.

C

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) – A device used to treat sleep apnea. It keeps airways open by delivering a continuous stream of air through a mask.
Nasal Congestion – Blocked nasal passages often caused by allergies, infections, or a deviated septum, which can lead to snoring.

H

Hypopnea – Partial reduction of airflow during sleep, less severe than apnea but capable of reducing blood oxygen levels.
Sleep Hygiene – A set of habits promoting quality sleep, such as maintaining a regular bedtime, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and reducing screen exposure before bed.

L

Uvula – A small, droplet-shaped tissue at the back of the throat. An elongated uvula can vibrate during sleep, contributing to snoring.

M

Mandible – The lower jaw. A mandibular advancement device (MAD) slightly moves the jaw forward to keep the airway open during sleep.
Menopause – A hormonal transition in women marked by decreased estrogen and progesterone levels, which can weaken airway muscles and worsen snoring.

O

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) – An oral appliance that moves the lower jaw forward to keep the airway clear and reduce snoring or sleep apnea.

P

Polysomnography – A comprehensive sleep study conducted in a sleep center to analyze sleep cycles, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and body movements to diagnose conditions like sleep apnea.
Sleeping Position – The way you sleep can affect snoring. Sleeping on your back often worsens snoring, while sleeping on your side can help reduce it.

R

Uvular Reflex – Involuntary contraction of the uvula and soft palate, which can cause vibrations leading to snoring.
Chronic Snoring (Ronchopathy) – Persistent snoring often associated with poor sleep quality.

S

Light Sleep – The initial sleep stage where the body begins to relax. During this phase, muscles are still partially active, but body functions start slowing down.
REM Sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) – A sleep phase linked to vivid dreams and high brain activity, with complete muscle relaxation. This stage is crucial for memory and learning.
Deviated Nasal Septum – A misalignment of the nasal partition that can block airflow, making breathing difficult and leading to snoring.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) – A type of sleep apnea involving frequent breathing pauses and reduced airflow.

T

Muscle Tone – The level of muscle tension at rest. With age, muscle tone decreases, leading to throat tissue collapse and increased snoring.

U

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) – A surgical procedure to remove excess throat tissue, including the uvula, to reduce snoring and treat some cases of sleep apnea.

V

Upper Airway – The structures (nose, mouth, throat) through which air flows before reaching the lungs. Any obstruction in these passages can cause snoring.

Z

Zzz… – The sound often associated with snoring, caused by vibrations in the soft tissues of the airways when airflow is restricted.

We hope this glossary helps you better understand snoring and sleep-related terms. For more information, visit our detailed guides and articles on www.wecantsleepatnight.net.