Is it Snoring or is it Sleep Apnea?
Posted on 1/15/2025 by Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center |
You wake up feeling tired, even after a full night's sleep. Your partner complains about your loud snoring. During the day, you find yourself dozing off at work or while watching TV. These could all be signs of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people.
While snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has the disorder. So, how can you tell the difference between simple snoring and sleep apnea?
What is Snoring?
Snoring occurs when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as you breathe. This vibration creates the characteristic snoring sound. Snoring can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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Being overweight: Excess weight can put pressure on the airway, making it more likely to collapse during sleep. |
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Alcohol consumption: Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, making it more likely to vibrate. |
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Nasal congestion: A stuffy nose can block the airway and cause snoring. |
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Anatomical factors: Some people have naturally narrow airways, which can make them more prone to snoring. |
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can happen hundreds of times a night, and each time it happens, your brain is briefly awakened to restart your breathing. As a result, people with sleep apnea often don't get a good night's sleep, which can lead to a variety of problems, including:
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Daytime sleepiness: People with sleep apnea are often tired during the day, even after a full night's sleep. This can make it difficult to concentrate at work or school, and it can also increase the risk of accidents. |
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High blood pressure: Sleep apnea can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. |
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Heart problems: Sleep apnea can also increase your risk of developing other heart problems, such as arrhythmias and heart failure. |
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Depression: Sleep apnea can also contribute to depression. |
How Can You Tell the Difference?
While snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has the disorder. There are some key differences between the two:
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Snoring: Snoring is usually a continuous sound, and it may be loud or soft. It may also come and go throughout the night. |
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Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is characterized by periods of silence, followed by loud gasping or snorting sounds. These episodes can occur hundreds of times a night. |
If you are concerned that you may have sleep apnea, it is important to see a doctor. They can perform a sleep study to diagnose the condition and recommend treatment options.
Treatment Options
There are a variety of treatment options available for sleep apnea, including:
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Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, and sleeping on your side can all help to reduce the severity of sleep apnea. |
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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): CPAP is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask over your nose and mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a constant flow of air, which helps to keep your airway open. |
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Oral appliances: Oral appliances are mouthpieces that are worn during sleep. They help to keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw or tongue. |
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Surgery: Surgery is sometimes an option for people with sleep apnea who don't respond to other treatments. |
If you think you may have sleep apnea, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. Getting diagnosed and treated can improve your sleep and your overall health.
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