Understanding the Link Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring is caused by the vibration of upper airway structures like the soft palate and tongue while sleeping. While sleeping, our upper airway muscles relax, causing a narrowing of the airway. The resultant turbulent airflow is responsible for the vibration mentioned earlier.
In some snorers, when they go into a deep sleep, the relaxation of the airway muscles and the resultant obstruction can completely cut off the airflow, and breathing can completely stop. This stopping of the breathing which happens during sleep is called Sleep Apnea.
Snoring and Sleep apnea are hence related, but Sleep Apnea is far more dangerous.Get effective snoring treatment in Dubai at Ascent ENT , where expert ENT specialists provide advanced solutions for better sleep and healthier breathing.
Causes and Health Risks of Snoring
Snoring can be caused by any factor that narrows the airway. These include Deviated nasal septum, Allergic rhinitis, Nasal polyps, Adenoids, etc which can recuce the nasal airway. Large tonsils, thick tongue, a short jaw, thick and floppy soft palate, poor muscle tone of neck muscles, increased neck fat, etc can reduce the airway at the level of the throat and contribute to Snoring.Experience expert care with a trusted ENT specialist in Dubai at Ascent ENT hospital dubai , offering advanced treatments for all ear, nose, and throat conditions.
Simple Snoring is well known to be a nuisance to others, but it also poses some health risk. It can increase acid reflux, can lead to poor sleep quality and some amount of Day time sleepiness. In the long run, it can lead to atherosclerotic plaque formation in the major blood vessels of the neck increasing the risk of strokes.
What Is Sleep Apnea and How It Affects You
Sleep Apnea patients can have all the problems faced by simple snorers. On top of that they have a greater risk of developing heart and lung diseases. Excessive day time sleepiness is common in Sleep Apnea patients and this affects their quality of life significantly. They have difficulty in concentrating, feel perpetually tired and have a higher chance of getting involved in motor accidents.
How to Tell If Your Snoring Is a Sign of Sleep Apnea
If you see any of your friends or family snoring while sleeping, try to observe if their breathing stops for a while followed by a noisy, disturbed inspiration. These witnessed apneas along with the excessive sleepiness in all situations can be the signs of Sleep Apnea.
Sleep Apnea can be confirmed and its severity can be assessed by doing a Sleep Study.Consult the best doctor for snoring treatment at Ascent ENT Specialty Center and find personalized solutions for restful, uninterrupted sleep.