Understanding Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes blocked or collapses while you sleep. This prevents oxygen from reaching your lungs and forces your body to wake up briefly — often without you even realizing it.
Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or irritability
If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The good news is that effective, non-CPAP treatments — like custom oral appliances — can help restore healthy breathing, improve sleep quality, and protect your long-term health.
How is Snoring Different Than Sleep Apnea?
Snoring happens when the flow of air through your mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep. As air squeezes past relaxed tissues in the throat and soft palate, those tissues vibrate and create the familiar snoring sound.
While occasional snoring may simply be a nuisance, frequent or loud snoring can disrupt your sleep, disturb your partner, and sometimes signal a more serious condition. Contributing factors can include:
- Relaxed or weak throat muscles
- Nasal or airway congestion
- Excess weight or anatomy that narrows the airway
- Alcohol use before bedtime
Not only can snoring affect your rest, but it can also be a warning sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a medical condition that can have serious consequences and deserves professional attention.