Is Chronic Snoring the Same as Sleep Apnea?

Everyone snores occasionally, but loud, constant snoring is considered chronic. Sometimes, chronic snoring can be so loud that people sleeping in other rooms can hear it. What is the connection between chronic snoring and sleep apnea?

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing stops and starts through the night. Obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common type, occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat relax too much and block your airway. As a result, your brain doesn’t get all the oxygen it needs. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious issues like severe fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and more.

Is Chronic Snoring the Same as Sleep Apnea?

Chronic snoring is one of the main symptoms of sleep apnea, but on its own, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have the condition. You should pay attention to other symptoms such as:

• Waking up gasping for air
• Waking up with a sore throat or a dry mouth
• Suffering from regular headaches
• Always feeling tired, no matter how much sleep you get
• Feeling forgetful or spacey
• Feeling anxious or depressed

If you have any of these symptoms on top of chronic snoring, you should get checked out for sleep apnea.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

There are a few treatments for sleep apnea, including CPAP machines. Many people find these hard to sleep with, however. At our office, we offer sleep apnea appliances that help keep your airway open while you sleep. When your sleep apnea is treated, symptoms like chronic snoring should improve.

Treating Sleep Apnea at Seastone Dental in Summerville, South Carolina

Good sleep is essential to your overall health, so if you suspect you have sleep apnea, don’t wait until your health gets worse. Your primary doctor is the first person you should talk to, after which you may get a sleep study and other tests to determine if you have sleep apnea. If you get a diagnosis, we may be able to help! Please contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.

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Categorised in: Family Dental Care, Oral Health, Sleep Apnea