Is Snoring A Symptom Of Hypothyroidism?

Snoring is a sleep disturbance that people often dismiss as merely annoying, but sometimes it becomes a warning sign of other underlying health conditions. One such disorder is hypothyroidism, which is a disease characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormone. There has been emerging research indicating the potential relationship between snoring and hypothyroidism, which can impact quality of sleep and general well-being. Let's see what science says about it and why it matters.

This arises from partial obstruction of airflows during sleep, which provokes the tissues in your throat to vibrate when asleep. Common triggers usually include nasal congestion, allergic reactions, or even simply the anatomy of your mouth and throat. Although less common snoring is perfectly harmless, chronic or excessively loud snoring could call for a more serious warning, such as OSA.

OSA is defined by the recurrent interruption of airflow during sleep because of airway obstruction. In many cases, this leads to snoring of significant amplitude. Hypothyroidism may also come into play here, given the observations that low levels of circulating thyroid hormones increase a person's susceptibility to sleep apnea.

Hypothyroidism is defined as the failure of the thyroid gland to produce appropriate hormones, which are essential to regulate metabolism, energy level, and other body activities. Common symptoms include lack of energy, weight gain, depression, dryness of the skin, brittle hair, and snoring, especially when it relates to respiratory complications.

In severe hypothyroidism, respiratory muscles may be weakened, contributing to sleep breathing difficulties. This weakening can lead to an increased chance of airway obstruction, a factor contributing to snoring and sleep apnea.

Several studies have investigated the association of hypothyroidism and sleep apnea.

It was reported that, as per data obtained from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data in 2019, the risk of sleep apnea was increased 1.88-fold in a person with hypothyroidism compared to someone whose thyroid function is normal.

Interestingly, this association remained even after controlling for body weight, demographics, and lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use. This would indicate that hypothyroidism itself—beyond its association with weight gain—may contribute to conditions that cause snoring.

Why Hypothyroidism Can Affect Sleep

Low thyroid hormone levels can affect sleep in several ways:

1. Respiratory Muscle Weakening: Hypothyroidism may weaken the muscles of respiration, making the patient breathe shallow and easily predisposed to an airway obstruction.

2. Higher Risk for Obesity: The common presenting symptom of hypothyroidism is weight gain; it may deposit fat in the neck area, leading to a narrowed airway and contributing to snoring.

3. Associated Sleep Disorders: Subclinical hypothyroidism, which is another mild form of the same condition, has been established to be associated with insomnia as well as other sleep disruptions.

While excess thyroid hormones-producing hyperthyroidism is not directly related to snoring, it is the cause of many other forms of sleep disorders, including insomnia. A 2023 paper published from China reports that individuals with sleep apnea have a higher tendency for the growth of thyroid nodules. This, of course, has implications regarding the possible relationships between sleep apnea and thyroid diseases.

If you or your loved one snores constantly and develops symptoms of hypothyroidism like fatigue, weight gain, or depression, it's time to go see a doctor. The following are persistent snoring symptoms that should be investigated further:

- It is very loud and interrupts your partner's sleep.

- It causes choking or gasping spells during the night

- You experience morning headaches or sore throats

- Continued fatigue even after adequate sleep - Inability to focus or heightened irritability

Diagnosis and Treatment

A healthcare provider can diagnose hypothyroidism with a simple blood test that measures thyroid hormone levels. If diagnosed, hormone replacement therapy, like levothyroxine, is often prescribed to restore normal thyroid function.

Treatment of snoring often involves treatment of the underlying cause, whether hypothyroidism or sleep apnea. Treatments may include:

CPAP: a machine that aids in opening up the airways even at night time.

Lifestyle Measures: lifestyle modifications such as weight control, smoking cessation, and avoidance of excessive alcohol are recommended to manage snoring.

Replacement of thyroid hormones: successful management of hypothyroidism alleviates the secondary symptoms which may include snoring also.

Hypothyroidism can be a gradual progression, and its symptoms at first may seem minor, but chronic fatigue, constant snoring, and other symptoms should not be ignored. Consult an ENT specialist or endocrinologist if:

- Your snoring is loud and frequent.

- You experience daytime sleepiness or mood changes.

- You have difficulty breathing during sleep.

An ENT specialist may do sleep studies or imaging tests to assess airway obstruction and may recommend targeted treatment. While snoring occasionally is harmless, persistent or loud snoring could be an indicator of hypothyroidism or other health problems. Understanding the possible relationship between snoring and thyroid health can help in treating symptoms early and improving sleep quality and overall well-being.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals with hypothyroidism can manage their symptoms effectively and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea and thyroid function: A 10-year retrospective study. Sleep Medicine. 2023