Snoring is noisy breathing during sleep caused by partly blocked upper airways. Occasional snoring, especially during a cold, is common, but loud snoring on most nights can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, often linked to large tonsils or adenoids.
Key takeaways
- Pauses in breathing, gasping and restless sleep are warning signs.
- Sleep apnoea can affect behaviour, attention and growth.
- Smoke exposure makes snoring worse.
When to talk to your doctor
See your doctor if your child snores loudly most nights, has pauses in breathing or gasps during sleep, breathes through the mouth, or is very sleepy or irritable during the day. A short video of the snoring can help your doctor.
