Jeremy J. Abbott, DDS is a dentist in Bethesda, Maryland, that specializes in orofacial pain, TMJ, and sleep apnea. When people snore while sound asleep, this is the result of vibrating fluid or tissue within the air passages. This is why a person who has a cold might snore. Even though snoring is sometimes a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, the two issues are quite different. Apnic events occur when people are unable to get outside air into the lungs for a minimum span of 10 seconds.
They're attempting to breathe, but something is preventing the air from actually getting into their lungs. This blockage can occur at any point along the airways due to anything from vocal cord polyps to a deviated septum.
Another difference between sleep apnea and basic snoring is highlighted when you pinch your nostrils and try breathing through the nose. After about eight or nine seconds of this, many people will become lightheaded and experience building pressure in their chests.
If this is something that occurs regularly enough, it can lead to excessive fatigue throughout the day (and problems like falling asleep at the wheel), increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, acid reflux, depression, and many other issues.