Is vaping associated with an increased risk of snoring?

Vaping and Snoring: The Evidence-Based Connection

Vaping is associated with an increased risk of snoring through mechanisms including upper airway inflammation, disrupted sleep architecture, and nicotine's effects on respiratory control. Current evidence indicates that e-cigarette use negatively impacts sleep quality and can contribute to sleep-disordered breathing.

Mechanisms Linking Vaping to Snoring

Airway Inflammation

• Vaping introduces potentially toxic substances that can cause upper airway inflammation and edema 1
• Similar to traditional cigarette smoking, which is a well-established risk factor for snoring 2
• Inflammation narrows the upper airway passage, increasing resistance during sleep

Sleep Architecture Disruption

• Recent research shows that greater vaping frequency predicts:
  • Lower overall sleep quality
  • More time spent in light sleep 3
  • Disrupted sleep patterns that can exacerbate snoring

Nicotine Effects

• Nicotine from vaping products can:
  • Alter respiratory control during sleep
  • Decrease REM sleep percentage
  • Prolong initial sleep latency 4
  • Create a bidirectional relationship where poor sleep increases nicotine cravings 3

Evidence Quality and Limitations

The evidence linking vaping specifically to snoring is emerging but compelling:

• The most recent and highest quality study (2025) demonstrates bidirectional relationships between vaping and sleep quality using real-time monitoring 3
• Earlier research on nicotine and sleep-disordered breathing supports these findings 4
• The US Preventive Services Task Force notes that e-cigarettes contain and emit numerous potentially toxic substances that could affect respiratory function 1

Clinical Implications

Risk Assessment

• Screen for vaping habits in patients presenting with:
  • New-onset snoring
  • Worsening of existing snoring
  • Symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing

Patient Education

• Inform patients that:
  • Vaping is not a risk-free alternative to smoking
  • E-cigarette use can negatively impact sleep quality
  • Vaping may contribute to or exacerbate snoring
  • There is a bidirectional relationship where poor sleep increases cravings for vaping 3

Management Considerations

• For patients with snoring who vape:
  1. Recommend cessation of vaping products
  2. Consider formal evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea if additional risk factors are present 1
  3. Provide behavioral counseling interventions for tobacco cessation 1
  4. Monitor for improvement in snoring following cessation

Special Considerations

Potential Progression to OSA

• Snoring is often a precursor to obstructive sleep apnea 5
• Patients who vape and snore should be monitored for:
  • Witnessed apneas
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Other symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing 6

Comorbidities

• Vaping and snoring may have synergistic negative effects on:
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Metabolic function
  • Neurocognitive performance 5

Conclusion

The evidence supports that vaping increases the risk of snoring through multiple mechanisms including airway inflammation, sleep architecture disruption, and nicotine's effects on respiratory control. Healthcare providers should inquire about vaping habits in patients with snoring and educate them about this connection.