Snoring and Sleep Apnea

The Connection Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea

When you are asleep, your whole body relaxes, but if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your soft oral tissues will relax too much. During sleep, your soft plate or throat will loosen, blocking your airways. As a result, you wake up repeatedly, and may not be aware of the interruptions to your sleep.

Snoring can often be a problem on its own. Loud nighttime breathing can be embarrassing and disruptive. In some cases, it can lead to relationship difficulties.

Snoring is often a telltale symptom of sleep apnea. When your soft tissues loosen, air will have to squeeze past them, causing loud vibrations, or snoring. However, while snoring can be a symptom of OSA, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Nevertheless, snoring can often be a problem on its own. Loud nighttime breathing can be embarrassing and disruptive. In some cases, it can lead to relationship difficulties.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Along with snoring, obstructive sleep apnea can cause several other symptoms. Indications of the condition can include: Chronic exhaustion or daytime sleepiness Irritability or mood swings Chronic headaches Difficulty concentrating or impaired cognitive function

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

If you struggle with any of these symptoms, we will conduct a complete diagnosis. We will begin by examining your soft oral tissues and the alignment of your jaw. For a completely accurate diagnosis, we may recommend that you undergo a sleep study, conducted at home or in a sleep lab. This test will measure heart rate, blood pressure, eye movements, oxygen saturation, and breathing rate as you sleep. With this data, we can diagnose your condition and determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy (CPAP) is the most common remedy for sleep apnea. If your doctor recommends this treatment, you will wear a mask over your mouth and nose while you sleep. The CPAP device will pump a steady stream of air through the mask, gently keeping your airways open. Your doctor may need to adjust the CPAP device to achieve the best possible results. Once you adapt to your CPAP device, your sleep and overall quality of life can improve dramatically. 

Alternatively, your doctor may treat sleep apnea with a custom-made mouth guard. This appliance will fit over your teeth, gently pushing your lower jaw forward. The new position of your jaw will tighten your soft tissues so that your throat stays open while you are asleep. Our doctors can prescribe similar devices to alleviate snoring, even if you do not suffer from OSA. 

Along with CPAP and oral devices, lifestyle changes can also improve your sleep. These modifications can include: 

• Weight loss 
• Avoiding drinking alcohol before sleeping 
• Using nasal spray 
• Sleeping on your side, rather than on your back 
• Quitting smoking

 The Importance of Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea treatment can have important effects both for your immediate and long-term health and quality of life. Appropriate care can alleviate your current symptoms, improve your personal relationships, and enhance your workplace performance. In addition, OSA has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including high blood pressure and an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Sleep apnea can place you at a higher risk for accidents and car crashes, since you may be experiencing severe daytime sleepiness. Given the widespread consequences of sleep apnea, it is important that you seek treatment for the condition as soon as possible.

Improve Your Health and Sleep Today

Snoring and sleep apnea symptoms can have devastating effects on your life. The doctors at Chesapeake Ear, Nose & Throat want to help you find the rest and good health that you deserve. If you are suffering from the symptoms of sleep apnea, schedule your diagnostic exam today.