Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Hills Boro Dental Excellence is more than just an annoyance for your bed partner; it can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious sleeping disorder that can lead to heart problems. Loud snoring, interrupted breathing and daytime fatigue are common signs of the condition, which causes your throat muscles to relax repeatedly during sleep. It’s important to know if you have sleep apnea, but it is also important to understand that you can snore and not have the condition.

Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes the airways to become narrow or blocked, making it difficult to breathe. It’s the most common form of sleep apnea and is associated with health factors like obesity. People with OSA stop breathing for short periods of time, often waking up gasping or choking.

Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to properly signal the muscles that should breathe. It’s less common than obstructive sleep apnea, and is associated with conditions such as brain tumors, heart failure and stroke.

Fortunately, the symptoms of both types of sleep apnea are similar, and treatments are very effective. Your primary care physician or an ear, nose and throat doctor can help you determine whether you have obstructive or central sleep apnea and recommend treatment options. In some cases, a device that provides continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is used to keep the airways open during sleep. In other cases, a mouthguard, surgery or lifestyle changes can be helpful.