You’ve probably snored while you’re asleep at least once in your life. Here at our Palm Beach Gardens sleep apnea treatment practice, many of our patients would like to know if there’s a connection between snoring and sleep apnea, a condition in which a person stops breathing for at least 30 seconds while asleep.
Snoring Doesn’t Necessarily Mean You Have Sleep Apnea
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons assured the public that not everyone who snores could be labeled as a sleep apnea suffered right away. The society stated in their website:
“It is important to distinguish between snoring and OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea). Many people snore. It’s estimated that approximately 30% to 50% of the US population snore at one time or another, some significantly. Everyone has heard stories of men and women whose snoring can be heard rooms away from where they are sleeping.
Snoring of this magnitude can cause several problems, including marital discord, sleep disturbances and waking episodes sometimes caused by one’s own snoring. But, snoring does not always equal OSA; sometimes it is only a social inconvenience.”
Identifying Whether or Not You Have Sleep Apnea
Individuals with sleep apnea often do not have an idea that they are actually suffering from the disorder. They often seek medical help due to daytime drowsiness and complaints of loud snoring from their bed partners.
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include the following:
- excessive sleepiness during the day
- loud snoring and episodes of breathing stoppages as observed by bed partners
- abrupt awakenings coupled with shortness of breath
- morning headaches
- waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
On the other hand, the presence of the following physical signs may indicate sleep apnea:
- short neck similar to that of a football lineman
- thick neck
- large tonsils upon inspection
- low uvula position or a large uvula upon inspection (the uvula is that part of your throat which hangs down when you say “ah” )
- receding chin or jaw
Why Seek Sleep Apnea Treatment Right Away
Apart from feeling tired all the time, the following health problems that may be caused by sleep apnea should be enough reason to see your doctor right away:
- heart disease
- hypertension
- stroke
- chronic headaches
- erectile dysfunction or impotence
- diabetes
- sore throat
- falling asleep while driving resulting to reckless road accidents
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
If you are a heavy snorer experiencing poor sleep you owe it to yourself and your family to seek help and lower your health risk. Get in touch with us by calling 561-627-9000 or by filling out this contact form. We look forward to helping you!