Does Snoring Mean I Have Sleep Apnea?
Looking for more information on sleep apnea? According to Harvard Health, simple snoring differs from sleep apnea because individuals with apnea actually experience short periods of time throughout the night in which they stop breathing. In order for you to know whether or not your snoring is related to sleep apnea, making an appointment with a medical professional for evaluation is your next step. If you are indeed diagnosed with sleep apnea, know that there are treatment options available to you. Ready to learn more about the connection between snoring and sleep apnea?
About snoring
Thinking you might have sleep apnea because you snore? It is definitely possible. Whether you wake yourself up because you snore often or your partner tells you that you snore during the night, you need to understand the difference between simple snoring and snoring associated with sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when the tissues in the back of the throat relax so much when you are sleeping that they partially block your airway. When the airway is partially blocked, it creates a bit of a struggle when breathing in and breathing out. This causes vibrations to occur in the airway, which in turn creates the sound of snoring.
Common reasons for snoring
There are a variety of reasons why someone would snore when they are sleeping, of which many are dependent on their particular lifestyle. For example, lifestyle factors like being overweight and drinking too much alcohol can cause snoring. Other factors for snoring include having enlarged tonsils, an enlarged tongue, a deviated septum, nasal polyps and sleeping on one’s back.
Simple snoring treatment options
Simple snoring can often be treated by making certain changes to one’s overall lifestyle. The reason for simple snoring must first be determined in order to make an effective treatment plan, which can include things like losing weight and changing one’s sleeping position.
Sleep apnea treatment options
Sleep apnea treatment often involves using a CPAP machine, which helps those diagnosed breathe easier during the night. This machine requires sleep apnea patients to wear a special mask over their mouth and nose that provides them with the constant pressure necessary to keep their airway open while their sleeping.
Think you might have sleep apnea?
If you snore and you think you have sleep apnea, the only way for you to know for sure is to schedule an appointment for a professional evaluation. Sleep apnea is not just an inconvenience, it is a serious sleeping disorder that can lead to you experiencing serious health complications. Potential health risks include a higher chance of being diagnosed with high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, diabetes, heart attack and stroke. The fact that your overall good health depends on your getting a good night’s sleep every single night makes it necessary for you to find out whether or not you are living with sleep apnea.
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