Sleep Apnea

Are sleep apnea and snoring the same condition?

Obstructive sleep apnea, like snoring and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), is a sleep-related breathing disorder. The sounds that we know as snoring are caused by the vibration of the walls of the throat when it is partially collapsed. Excessive snoring is a compelling symptom associated with obstructive sleep apnea and people who regularly snore should definitely be screened to determine if it is a health threat or something that needs to be watched for future changes.

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea is the constriction of the airway so severely that the individual frequently stops breathing throughout the night. This causes a decrease in the oxygen in the blood and a drop in pressure in the chest cavity and often leads to a multitude of health and emotional issues. When breathing stops (sometimes for a minute or more), the brain wakes the body, partially or fully, to reinitiate breathing. This prevents the OSA sufferer from getting the deep restorative sleep required to refuel and restore the body. In fact, a person with OSA may experience the wake-sleep cycle hundreds of time in a single night.

Why do I need treatment for sleep apnea?

Many OSA sufferers wake up with headaches and/or a sore throat, and they experience daytime sleepiness or fatigue. Some fall asleep while driving or during times of low stimulation at work. Sleep apnea has also been linked with attention problems, depression, blood pressure problems, impotence, acid reflux, and irregular heart beat. In addition, the risk for heart attack, stroke and premature death increases.

Second-hand snoring also has ramifications. Research shows, people who sleep with a snoring person may experience aches and pains, hearing loss, fatigue, daytime drowsiness, fibromyalgia, depression, poor mental health, and/or memory impairment. These unsuspecting people may be deprived of sleep. A Mayo Clinic study shows that sleep partners of snorers awakened an average of 21 times each hour, while the snorer wakes about 27 times per hour. In some cases, the snorer denies having a problem, and this can lead to frustration for both people.

Why do I have sleep apnea?

The National Sleep Foundation tells us that 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, and only 10-20% are aware of their condition. Furthermore, 24% of women and 40% of men snore habitually. Half of those who snore loudly suffer from sleep apnea. The condition is more common in people who are overweight, have a large neck, drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, have Down Syndrome, or are older than 40. However, anyone can have sleep apnea, even children. Genetics, physical traits, stress, congestion, and a long list of factors can contribute to the condition.

Schedule a Consultation

In his Livonia dental office, Dr. Stewart offers sleep apnea and snoring treatment with oral appliance therapy. This non-invasive treatment option helps people overcome sleep apnea and snoring so that they can enjoy restful nights and alert, focused days.