Difficulty sleeping can leave you feeling exhausted, with difficulty concentrating at work and moodiness. But how do you know if you need treatment for a sleep disorder, like sleep apnea, or chronic snoring? Are these two issues related? Can they be addressed with the same treatments?
Snoring
When you snore, a loud, obnoxious sound that can prevent you from resting well and also keep your significant other awake. The sound occurs when soft tissues in the back of the throat and mouth become overly relaxed, partially blocking airflow. Once air is forced through, the tissue vibrates, causing a loud sound. Other causes include neck circumference and congestion.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea happens when a patient stops breathing completely. Once again, the soft tissues collapse and block airflow, only completely this time. The patient stops breathing until the brain picks up on a lack of oxygen, waking the patient up to breathe. The patient may have little to no memory of being woken up, even though it happens hundreds of times a night in some cases. The result is exhaustion, moodiness, and a reduce quality of life.
How are These Related?
They are often separate issues that require individual treatment. However, in some cases snoring can be a warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea. If you frequently feel exhausted during the day or suffer from chronic snoring, see your dentist. You can take a sleep assessment on our website. The doctor will then diagnose the cause of your problem and if necessary, suggest treatment. Often, lifestyle changes can address snoring. However, for sleep apnea we may suggest either an oral appliance or the use of a CPAP machine, or possibly a combination of the two.
