We all occasionally snore, most often because of allergies or when we have a cold, and some people snore more regularly. It is caused when the throat structures relax during sleep, so when air passes over them, they start to vibrate. Snoring might be an annoyance for sleeping partners or those nearby, but it isn’t always a problem; sleep apnea, on the other hand, can be an issue and is very different from snoring.
What is the difference between Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
It is generally a continuous sound when someone snores and, although annoying, is regular. When someone has sleep apnea, they can snore loudly but take frequent pauses in breath. These pauses can last for several seconds. When breathing stops, oxygen levels in the body start to drop quickly, and once the brain registers this fact, it prompts the body to restart breathing, which often happens with a loud snort or gasp. These pauses in breath aren’t enough to awaken someone with sleep apnea, but they are sufficient to prevent them from having enough deep and rejuvenating sleep, especially when you consider they can occur hundreds of times in a single night.
The most common form of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is caused when the throat muscles that normally hold open the airway relax to such an extent that the airway collapses inwards, partially or completely blocking the airway, preventing the lungs from receiving enough oxygen.
Health Consequences of Sleep Apnea
Someone with sleep apnea in Bowmanville will often wake up feeling ill-rested and tired, without realizing why. Sleep apnea can affect general health in numerous ways, increasing the risk of serious health problems, including hypertension, heart attacks, and stroke. The risk of having a serious accident while driving or operating machinery increases when you are overly tired.
Signs you might have sleep apnea in Newcastle include waking up with a dry mouth or headache or feeling continually tired even though you know you should have had enough sleep. Excessive fatigue or tiredness during the daytime is one of the biggest tell-tale signs of sleep apnea, as ordinary snoring does not interfere with sleep quality.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Usually, sleep apnoea in Clarington is diagnosed with a sleep study, where you spend the night at a sleep clinic, and the quality of your sleep and your vital signs are monitored overnight. The study helps assess if you have sleep apnea and the degree of its severity. A sleep appliance can often treat mild to moderate sleep apnea successfully.
How We Can Help
If you have mild or moderate sleep apnea, we can provide a custom-made sleep appliance in Courtice to help you breathe more easily. The appliance is designed to be comfortable to wear and works by holding your lower jaw in a slightly forward position. The position helps prevent your tongue from flopping backwards during sleep, blocking your airway and helping to hold your airway open more effectively. Sometimes lifestyle changes can also help, such as quitting smoking, ensuring you are a healthy weight and treating any nasal allergies.
People with more severe sleep apnea might need a device called a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP). This device works by pumping pressurized air through a mask you wear during sleep. Although effective, some people find it difficult to use a CPAP machine comfortably. If you have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea but cannot use your CPAP machine, it could be worth trying a custom-made sleep appliance instead.