Snoring & Sleep Apnea: How It Can Affect Your Health

What is the difference between snoring and sleep apnea? Does snoring mean sleep apnea? Snoring refers to a grunting sound that comes out from your nose while you sleep. It is caused due to the vibration of certain tissues in the back of your throat. Sleep Apnea is actually a breathing problem that occurs while you are asleep. People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea temporarily stop breathing for few seconds while asleep. It's a serious health issue and can become fatal if it's left untreated. The quality of your life will seriously be impacted. If you are suffering from Snoring, snoring treatment can help you. In case you are suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you must consult your doctor for sleep apnea treatment.

Snoring

Snoring may prove to be a distraction for your partner but not for you. People who snore don't even understand that they are snoring. Their partner gets to know first about this condition. Since it doesn't impact the quality of sleep, it poses almost no health threat. If you think snoring is making a difference in the quality of your life, you can opt for snoring treatment.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a far more serious issue than snoring. It causes you to stop breathing temporarily while sleeping.

People who snore don't mean that they have sleep apnea, but research has proved that snoring can be a stimulating factor against sleep apnea. Anything that blocks your airways is considered to be the cause of sleep apnea.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

  • Obesity and large tonsils can block your airways while you sleep.

  • Kidney failure

  • Stroke

  • Hypothyroidism

Sleep Apnea can affect different systems of your body. Lack of sleep can create many problems.

  • Sleep Apnea worsens the symptoms of asthma. Since it deprives you of oxygen while you sleep, it's a serious issue. You may find it difficult to breathe.

  • Sleep Apnea can increase your blood pressure level, cholesterol level and blood sugar level.

  • Lack of sleep is not good for digestion. A proper sleep is important. People with Sleep Apnea are more likely to have liver disease.

Sleep Apnea severely impacts the quality of your sleep and overall it affects the quality of your life. It takes away your healthy lifestyle. But there are ways to control it. Different sleep apnea treatments such as CPAP can help you circulating Oxygen to your lungs while you sleep.

Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, LLC is the best place to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea. We have highly trained physicians and innovative medical technology to help you get back your healthy lifestyle. We will make sure you get the proper sleep your body needs.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.