Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring and sleep apnea are conditions that occur during sleep. Both come with complications but it is important to know that these are two different problems that require appropriate treatment.

SNORING

A lot of people snore and many will regard it as a normal occurrence that anyone may experience at certain points. Some may even consider snoring as a laughing matter but if you will look further into the condition as well as its effects, you will find out that it is no joke.

HOW SNORING OCCURS?

Snoring happens when the flow of air from the mouth or nose to your lungs causes the tissues of the airway to vibrate. This occurrence results from an obstruction in the nose, mouth, throat,  or air passages.

During sleep, air enters through the mouth or nose then passes across the soft palate on its way to the lungs when you inhale. When the airway is narrowed or blocked, airflow is disturbed causing the soft palate and uvula to create vibration and knock against the back of the throat which results in snoring. As the airway gets narrower, the tissues vibrate more causing a louder snoring sound.

Snoring can lead to a lot of problems which range from restless sleep, waking episodes, relationship problems, and marital rift. As much as it affects others, snoring can also keep you awake. It brings enormous inconveniences but there are lots of available treatments that can help relieve chronic snoring.

Snoring may be a running joke for some people but it is a condition that requires your attention. It causes inconveniences and before you know it, snoring can be a sign that you’re in for a greater problem that you need to face – a sleeping disorder known as sleep apnea.

SLEEP APNEA

Sleep apnea which is derived from the Greek word “apnea” means absence of breath and based on its meaning, one should be aware about the magnitude of the problem that this condition can bring.

Sleep apnea is as scary as it sounds whether one is bound for sleep at night or when a person has to deal with activities for the day. It is a very bothering condition that keeps millions of people deprived of quality sleep and what’s even more alarming is the fact that it is the most undiagnosed sleep disorder in the United States.

Most of the time, the main symptoms of sleep apnea such as snoring and sleepiness during the day are left overlooked which contributes to the fact that people affected by the condition are already suffering for years.

HOW SLEEP APNEA OCCURS?

In sleep apnea, the upper airway relaxes while a person is sleeping causing obstruction with a person’s ability to breathe. People with sleep apnea snore, and occasionally, they experience choking when they try to search for air once airway is totally obstructed.

Gasping spells can occur up to hundred times a night without the individual being aware that he/she is already experiencing sleep apnea. The only other signs of sleep apnea are daytime sleepiness and fatigue so it is important to have a partner who can check on your sleeping pattern. There are also treatments for sleep apnea that you can try.

 

Sleep apnea is a condition that comes with serious complications so it should never be left untreated. There are different ways to treat sleep apnea and you can start by consulting a medical professional or a sleep expert.