{"id":385,"date":"2023-03-17T05:42:06","date_gmt":"2023-03-17T05:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drgaryb.com\/?p=385"},"modified":"2024-01-17T07:06:53","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T07:06:53","slug":"snoring-and-sleep-apnea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drgaryb.com\/snoring-and-sleep-apnea\/","title":{"rendered":"Snoring and Sleep Apnea"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is it snoring or sleep apnea?<\/h2>\n

\"snoring
\nSnoring occurs when soft tissues in the throat area relax during sleep, partially blocking airways and vibrating with the passage of air. It\u2019s this vibration which causes that distinctive snoring sound. If you\u2019re one of the millions of people who snore, you know how those nocturnal noises can interfere with your peaceful sleep and the sleep of those around you.<\/p>\n

Snoring can also be a symptom of sleep apnea, which is a serious medical condition. The word \u201capnea\u201d is derived from the Greek word for \u201cbreathless.\u201d When you suffer from sleep apnea, you briefly stop breathing during sleep.<\/p>\n

Your body responds by waking every time you need to begin breathing properly again, often causing you to choke or gasp for breath. This cycle can repeat dozens of times per hour. While you may think you\u2019ve slept through the night, you have never gotten the deep sleep your body needs to restore itself mentally and physically.<\/p>\n

Types of Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)<\/strong>
\nObstructive sleep apnea<\/a> is the most common form of sleep apnea and is caused by an obstructed airway. The throat muscles may relax as you sleep, making it impossible to inhale fully with each breath. Obstruction can also be caused by a physical condition such as a deviated septum, excess throat tissue or enlarged tongue or tonsils. The size and position of your jaw can affect your breathing as well.<\/p>\n

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)<\/strong>
\nCentral sleep apnea occurs when your brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles which control breathing. Sleepers with CSA either stop breathing momentarily or take such shallow breaths that they can\u2019t get sufficient air into their lungs.<\/p>\n

Complex Sleep Apnea<\/strong>
\nComplex sleep apnea combines features of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.<\/p>\n

While men are more likely to develop this condition, sleep apnea can affect anyone. Factors such as obesity, increasing age, alcohol use, certain medications and drugs, medical conditions, and a family history of sleep apnea can also increase the risk of developing OSA and CSA.<\/p>\n

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Life<\/h2>\n

You (or your partner) may suspect sleep apnea if your sleep is interrupted by frequent loud snoring, choking, or snorting sounds, or if you appear to stop breathing or wake up short of breath throughout the night.<\/p>\n

Sleep apnea affects your waking life as well. You might feel frequent daytime drowsiness or fatigue. You could have difficulty falling asleep at night or fall asleep involuntarily during the day. You might experience morning headaches or a sore throat or dry mouth when you wake up. Your quality of life can suffer, as insufficient sleep can lead to:<\/p>\n