Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Do you snore? Maybe you've woken yourself up with your loud snoring, or your partner has told you that it is causing sleepless nights for others in your home.
While snoring is a frustrating condition on its own, it can also be a sign of a much larger problem—obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious general health condition caused by several factors, including weight gain, large tonsils, a deviated septum, and even genetics. Males are more prone to sleep apnea than females, and people over age 40 are also at higher risk.
When you fall asleep, the soft tissues in your throat relax and cause the vibration that results in snoring. They can also relax to the point that they completely obstruct your airway, so you have to struggle to catch your breath. This causes you to wake up multiple times during the night and prevents you from getting the restful sleep your body needs.
If your partner reports that your snoring is uneven or that you start and stop snoring abruptly, you should schedule an appointment to determine if you have sleep apnea. A sleep study may be necessary to determine the severity of your condition.
Other common symptoms that can point to obstructive sleep apnea include:
- A dry or sore throat when you wake up
- Daytime drowsiness
- Headaches throughout the day
- Mood swings and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to numerous other significant health problems, including:
- Diabetes
- Depression
- ADHD
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Stroke
Additionally, poor sleep caused by sleep apnea can lead to fatigue during the day, leading to drowsy driving accidents and problems at work and home.
