Sleep Apnea and Snoring: How They're Connected and How to Treat Both
Many people think snoring is just a loud annoyance. Snoring is often a warning sign. It can point to a serious health condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Recognizing the connection between the two is a necessary first step. This knowledge allows people to seek proper diagnosis and effective treatment.
Snoring: More Than Just Noise
Snoring happens when air cannot move freely through your nose and throat while you sleep. This makes the surrounding tissues vibrate. The sound gets louder when the airway narrows more. Almost half of all adults snore.
When Snoring Signals a Problem
Loud, chronic snoring can become a health concern. It signals a potential obstruction. This obstruction is often sleep apnea. If your partner tells you your snoring stops and starts, you should talk to a doctor. If you wake up choking or gasping, you should also seek medical advice. These interruptions mean your breathing is pausing repeatedly during the night.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Explained
OSA involves repeated episodes where the upper airway closes completely or partially. This closure prevents air from reaching the lungs. Each breathing pause, or apnea event, can last ten seconds or longer. These pauses reduce the oxygen level in your blood. Your brain senses this drop. It briefly wakes you up to restart breathing. This cycle happens many times each hour.
Health Risks of Untreated Apnea
Untreated OSA causes poor sleep quality, which can lead to daytime fatigue. It is also linked to major health risks. These risks include high blood pressure and heart problems, type-2 diabetes, mood disorders, Alzheimer’s and even some cancers. Early diagnosis is very important to avoid these issues. A simple sleep study can diagnose the condition.
Treating Snoring and Apnea Together
Treatment often addresses both the snoring and the apnea.
Lifestyle Changes
Losing weight reduces tissue around the neck. Sleeping on your side keeps your airway more open. Avoiding alcohol before bed relaxes throat muscles less.
Oral Appliance Therapy
A custom-fitted oral appliance provides a simple, non-invasive treatment option. This device looks like a sports mouthguard. It gently shifts the lower jaw forward. This movement keeps the airway open while you sleep. It stops the vibrations that cause snoring. For many people, this device significantly reduces both snoring and apnea events.
Take Control of Your Sleep Health
Do not dismiss snoring. It might signal a deeper issue that needs professional help. Understanding the snoring-sleep apnea connection is the first step toward better health. Levata Sleep offers advanced oral appliance therapy options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how to sleep soundly again.
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