If you’ve ever been told you snore or if you wake up feeling less rested than you should, understanding the differences between mere snoring and sleep apnea is crucial.
Both conditions may sound similar, often characterized by loud breathing during sleep, but they vary significantly regarding potential health impacts.
What Sets Snoring Apart from Sleep Apnea?
Snoring is a frequent problem that affects individuals of all ages. It is the sound produced as air travels past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing them to vibrate while you breathe.
Snoring can be an annoyance, impacting your and your partner’s sleep quality, but it seldom poses a major health concern. However, when snoring is loud and accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign of a more serious condition: sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a significant medical disorder that causes periodic interruptions in breathing through the night, each lasting a few seconds or minutes. These pauses happen because a partial or total airway obstruction occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat struggle to keep the airway open despite your breathing efforts.
When to Seek Professional Help
Suppose your snoring is accompanied by excessive daytime fatigue, observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, abrupt awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking, and morning headaches. In that case, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.
Do not ignore persistent snoring, especially if it’s loud enough to disrupt sleep and is accompanied by any of the above symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea can prevent further complications, including heart problems and other health issues.
Consulting a specialist can lead to effective management strategies, from lifestyle changes to medical interventions, enhancing your quality of life and well-being.
If you notice these signs, consider contacting a sleep specialist who can provide a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment options.
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation in Philadelphia, PA
If you’re struggling with snoring or suspect you have sleep apnea, don’t wait to get help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Marc Levin, DMD, at eos dental Sleep in Philadelphia, PA.
You can also call us at 212-873-6036 to discuss your symptoms and options. Let us help you find the relief you need and improve your sleep health today.