Tested Negative for Sleep Apnea? Don’t Ignore the Snore

Snoring occurs when airflow through your upper airway becomes partially obstructed, causing the soft tissues of your throat to vibrate. While not all snoring is dangerous, it can be a red flag for a broader spectrum of breathing disturbances during sleep—including Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) and intermittent oxygen desaturation, even when full-blown OSA isn’t present.

UARS is a lesser-known cousin of sleep apnea. People with UARS often don’t stop breathing long enough to qualify for an apnea diagnosis, but they still experience increased resistance in their upper airway that disrupts sleep. These subtle interruptions can trigger frequent arousals during the night, leading to symptoms like:

• Daytime fatigue
• Brain fog
• Mood disturbances
• Morning headaches
• Poor concentration

Despite normal oxygen levels or a low apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the body remains under strain due to constant micro-awakenings and increased effort to breathe.

Snoring without sleep apnea has traditionally been viewed as “harmless,” but growing research suggests otherwise. Studies indicate that snoring vibrations alone—independent of apneas—may contribute to damage in the body, especially around major blood vessels.

One compelling area of research has focused on the link between snoring and the hardening of the carotid arteries (a major blood vessel supplying blood to the brain). The repetitive vibrational energy from snoring has been shown to transmit to nearby tissues, potentially leading to thickening of the carotid artery walls, a precursor to atherosclerosis and increased risk of stroke.

Beyond health concerns, snoring often wreaks havoc in the bedroom—literally. Night after night of disrupted sleep for both the snorer and their bed partner can lead to:

• Frustration and resentment
• Animosity toward the snorer
• Reduced intimacy
• “Sleep divorce,” where couples choose to sleep in separate rooms

Over time, these dynamics can strain even strong relationships. Sleep is a cornerstone of emotional regulation, and when either partner isn’t getting enough of it, arguments, irritability, and disconnection can follow.

If your sleep study came back negative for OSA but you’re still snoring, you don’t have to suffer in silence—or let your bed partner suffer either.

Daybreak Has a Solution

At Daybreak, we understand that snoring, UARS, and subclinical sleep-disordered breathing are still worth treating—even if you don’t meet the criteria for an OSA diagnosis.

Our FDA-cleared mandibular advancement device (MAD) is designed not only to treat OSA but also to reduce or eliminate snoring by gently repositioning the jaw forward, opening the airway, and reducing airway resistance.

Even better? Daybreak’s process is completely at-home and hassle-free. From diagnosis to delivery, we offer:

• At-home sleep testing
• Physician-reviewed results
• Custom-fitted oral appliance therapy
• Remote follow-up and support

There’s no need for a sleep lab or CPAP machine—just discreet, effective treatment that fits into your life.

Just because your sleep apnea test was “negative” doesn’t mean everything is fine. Snoring and disrupted breathing—whether from UARS, oxygen desaturation, or primary snoring—can still harm your sleep, your health, and your relationships.

If you or your partner are still battling snoring, take the next step. Daybreak’s at-home solution is easy, effective, and FDA-cleared for snoring and OSA alike.