If you’ve heard of sleep apnea, then you probably already know how dangerous it can potentially be if you don’t have it treated as soon as possible. As such, you should always take note of any symptoms that could potentially point towards the disorder so that you can seek help from a sleep dentist as soon as possible. The most common sign of sleep apnea in Baytown is snoring, but is that always going to be the case? Read on to learn more about the connection between snoring and sleep apnea – and whether or not you need to be concerned about the sounds you make at night.
What Causes Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
Snoring is the sound of the air passing through your throat causing the tissues to vibrate. Most people snore at some point during their lives. It is more likely to be a chronic issue if you have a naturally narrow airway, congested nasal passages, a mouth with a low, thick soft palate, or suffer from sleep deprivation.
Sleep apnea is a disorder where your breathing is interrupted while you sleep. The most common form occurs when your throat muscles become relaxed and collapse, thus partially or completely cutting off the airway. Sleep apnea shares many of the same risk factors as snoring (including a narrow airway and the shape of your mouth), which is likely why the two conditions are often connected.
Does Snoring Always Mean You Have Sleep Apnea?
In a word, no. While sleep apnea is almost always accompanied by snoring, that doesn’t mean you definitely have sleep apnea even if you snore on a regular basis. If you have a bed partner who can observe you while you sleep, talk to them about any symptoms that they’ve noticed. Snoring that is linked to sleep apnea is generally much louder than regular snoring and is often accompanied by gasping for air as well as notable pauses in your breathing. Other symptoms that can point towards sleep apnea include:
- Continual sleepiness during the day
- General difficulty paying attention
- Mood swings and depression
What Can You Do About Sleep Apnea and Snoring?
You can sometimes combat sleep apnea and snoring by changing your sleeping position or losing weight. That said, you’ll definitely want to get professional treatment as soon as you’ve been diagnosed with the disorder. A sleep doctor can help you explore your options, such as CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy.
If you have any reason to think that snoring is linked to sleep apnea, make an appointment to get a diagnosis immediately. The sooner the problem is solved, the sooner you can get some quality rest – and the sooner your partner can enjoy some peace and quiet!
About the Author
Dr. Dean Hutto was born in the Baytown area. He was excited to start his first dental practice in his hometown in 1982. He is completely dedicated to serving his community, and at Sleep Better Baytown he does so by helping patients overcome their sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. If you’re worried about snoring or a possible sleep disorder, schedule an appointment by visiting his website or calling (281) 422-8249.