No one wants to wake up feeling groggy. There are 50 to 70 million adult Americans who are experiencing a sleep disorder called sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is serious. It doesn’t only cause your sleep too, but it also increases your risk of other problems including heart disease.
Knowing the relationship between sleep apnea and snoring is important. Keep reading to understand how they are connected.
Snoring vs Sleep Apnea: How to Tell the Difference
Sleep apnea and snoring are both common sleep issues that many people experience, but there are significant differences between the two conditions. Snoring occurs when the airflow is partially or completely blocked due to a narrowed airway. This can happen due to an anatomical issue such as a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, a swollen uvula, or excess fatty tissue in the throat.
Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is caused by obesity, family history, alcohol and smoking use, and age. This condition is serious and can prevent a person from getting the restful sleep they need, as it causes them to briefly stop breathing while sleeping.
The two conditions can sometimes overlap, though, as snoring is often a symptom of sleep apnea. However, it is not necessarily a definitive indicator of the condition. To accurately diagnose any serious sleep problem, a person should speak to a doctor for a full evaluation.
Only a physician can determine what type of sleep disorder you have and the best course of snoring treatment or sleep apnea treatment to address the issue.
Why Your Snoring Might Be A Sign Of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea and snoring have a strong connection. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which the person temporarily stops breathing during sleep due to an obstructed airway. Snoring is the sound made by the vibration of respiratory structures due to an obstructed airway.
If your snoring is loud, disrupts your sleep, or goes in and out, it can be sleep apnea symptoms. If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, it’s important to visit this doctor regularly for checkups and to address any concerns you may have. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a variety of health issues.
The Role Of Snoring In Sleep Apnea Diagnosis And Treatment
Although snoring is not always related to sleep apnea, it is often an important symptom that can alert a medical professional to the potential presence of the disorder. In some cases, snoring can also directly cause sleep apnea when the blockage becomes severe enough to prevent air from passing through the airways.
For this reason, diagnosing and treating snoring is necessary before proceeding with any other type of sleep apnea treatment. In addition to medical evaluation, lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding alcohol and smoking, can also help to reduce snoring and improve sleep quality.
Explore Different Types Of Sleep Apnea And Snoring
Sleep apnea and snoring are both unhealthy conditions that can be caused by a variety of issues. They have several common causes and treatments, as well as some prevention options. To learn more about these conditions, explore the different types of sleep apnea and snoring to better understand the connection and potential risks.
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