14 Jul Snoring and Sleep Apnea
While it is a common symptom, snoring doesn’t necessarily mean you have sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Commonly known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), this sleep disorder has to do with interrupted breathing during sleep. Someone with sleep apnea will have breathing pauses lasting at least 10 seconds as they sleep. This occurs when muscles in the back of the throat do not keep the airway open. The National Sleep Foundation states that more than 18 million American adults currently suffer from sleep apnea.
What is snoring?
If you snore, you may have wondered whether you have OSA. But while some people with OSA do snore, not everyone does. OSA is caused by a lack of opening in the airway, and snoring is caused by vibration in the back of the throat and nasal passage. So while snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, it can also be harmless. Some who suffer from OSA never snore.
If you are experiencing issues with sleep, contact us and schedule an appointment. It is better to be safe than sorry!