Is 'No Snoring Means I'm Fine' a Misconception? About Half of People Were Unaware of the Existence of Sleep Apnea Syndrome Without Snoring

The assumption that "I don't snore, so I don't have Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS)" may be leading people to overlook a serious medical condition. The Snoring and Apnea Improvement Association conducted an awareness survey on "Sleep Apnea Syndrome without snoring" among 200 men and women nationwide. The results revealed that approximately 44.5% of people were unaware that it is possible to have SAS even without snoring. We explore the existence of this "hidden SAS," which is difficult to self-diagnose, and look for tips on how to facilitate early detection through awareness from those around you and small daily signs.

Survey Background

Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) is a condition that, if left untreated, not only increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease but can also cause accidents due to severe daytime sleepiness. While "loud snoring" is generally known as the primary sign, there are actually cases where snoring is not prominent, depending on an individual's physique, bone structure, and throat condition. This survey was conducted to clarify how widespread the misconception that "no snoring equals safety" is, and to determine how one might notice the possibility of SAS through signs other than snoring.

Survey Summary

• Approximately 4.5 out of 10 people (44.5%) answered that they "did not know" about the existence of "SAS without snoring."
• The most recognized sign of SAS is "breathing stops during sleep" (26.1%), followed by "snoring" (19.9%).
• As a method of discovery when there is no snoring, about 1 in 4 people (27.5%) cited "pointing out by family or cohabitants."
• The most important thing to avoid overlooking the possibility of SAS is "not taking the observations of family/cohabitants lightly" (25.0%).
• If they learned about the possibility of "SAS without snoring," 82.0% answered that they would "want to get tested (including 'somewhat likely')."

Detailed Data

Q1. Please tell us what you think are signs of Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS).

• Breathing stops during sleep: 26.1%
• Snoring during sleep: 19.9%
• Severe daytime sleepiness: 12.7%
• Dry mouth or throat upon waking: 9.8%
• Waking up multiple times during the night: 8.5%
• Other: 23.0%

→ While awareness of the iconic SAS symptoms of "breathing stopping" and "snoring" is high, it can be seen that awareness of accompanying symptoms other than snoring, such as "daytime sleepiness" and "dry mouth," is still fragmented.

Q2. Did you know that it is possible to have SAS even without snoring?

• Did not know: 44.5%
• Have heard of it but didn't know well: 26.0%
• Knew vaguely: 23.0%
• Knew: 6.5%

→ Over 40% of respondents were completely unaware of SAS without snoring, and when including those with limited knowledge, about 70% did not have an accurate understanding. This highlights the current situation where the image of "SAS = a disease for people who snore" takes precedence.

Q3. If there is no snoring, how do you think SAS should be discovered?

• Noticed by being pointed out by family/cohabitants: 27.5%
• Discovered by undergoing tests at a medical institution: 14.0%
• Noticed by being pointed out during a health checkup or consultation: 13.8%
• Noticed by daytime sleepiness or fatigue that won't go away: 13.6%
• Noticed through data from smartwatches, etc.: 11.1%
• Other: 20.0%

→ The result showed the highest expectation for discovery by people close to the individual, such as family members, for the "apnea" state that the person themselves finds difficult to notice. Additionally, the use of wearable devices like smartwatches exceeded 10%, indicating a diversification of discovery methods.

Q4. Please tell us what you think should be paid attention to in daily life to avoid overlooking the possibility of SAS.

• Do not take the observations of family/cohabitants lightly: 25.0%
• Do not ignore it if severe daytime sleepiness persists: 21.6%
• Consult a medical institution if necessary: 18.1%
• Reflect on whether you feel refreshed after sleeping: 15.0%
• Regularly review your sleep condition: 12.9%
• Other: 7.4%

→ A stance of not brushing off observations from those around you and taking them seriously is considered important. Furthermore, the "daytime condition" felt by the individual is also recognized as an important judgment criterion.

Q5. If you found out there was a possibility of "Sleep Apnea Syndrome without snoring," would you want to get tested?

• Somewhat want to: 56.0%
• Want to: 26.0%
• Somewhat do not want to: 16.5%
• Do not want to: 1.5%

→ It was found that when recognizing the potential risk of "SAS without snoring," over 80% of people are positive about undergoing an examination. This suggests that providing correct information can be a powerful trigger to encourage early medical consultation.

Summary of Survey Results

This survey revealed an "information gap" where, while many people have the image that "snoring = SAS," about half are unaware of cases that do not involve snoring. When there is no snoring, it is extremely difficult for the individual to be aware of "apnea" while sleeping. Therefore, it is necessary to connect the dots between observations from family or partners that "your breathing stops" and daytime signs felt by the individual, such as "I feel sleepy even though I should have slept well" or "my fatigue won't go away." It is important to recognize that SAS is a condition that threatens sleep quality and health regardless of the presence or absence of snoring.

Comment from the Snoring and Apnea Improvement Association

In Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS), snoring is merely one sign that "the airway is narrowed." There are cases where, even if the snoring sound is quiet, breathing actually stops repeatedly, causing the brain and body to fall into a state of oxygen deprivation. The fact that over 80% of respondents in this survey answered that they would "want to get tested if there is a possibility" is a very encouraging result. Rather than excluding it from your options by saying "I don't snore, so it doesn't apply to me," please suspect your sleep condition if you have unexplained fatigue or daytime sleepiness. A single comment from your family, such as "your breathing stopped," is the most valuable advice for protecting your health.

Survey Overview

• Survey Organizer: Snoring and Apnea Improvement Association
• Survey Period: March 23, 2026 – March 25, 2026
• Survey Target: Men and women in their 20s to 60s and older nationwide
• Survey Method: Internet-based questionnaire
• Valid Responses: 200