What’s The Difference Between Normal Snoring and Sleep Apnea?

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Snoring is the most recognizable symptom of sleep apnea in Pembroke Pines. However, not all snoring people have obstructive or central sleep apnea. People with these conditions snore for reasons different from those without. It’s essential to know the differences and seek a prompt diagnosis. Confirming your condition helps you avoid the dangers of untreated sleep apnea.

patient with Sleep apnea in Pembroke pines wearing CPAP

Why Do People Without Sleep Apnea Snore?

The tissues and muscles in people’s upper respiratory tracts sometimes relax during sleep. When air passes through these flaccid muscles and tissues, they produce a deep vibrating sound that we now know as snoring. Several factors contribute to this muscular relaxation. These include:

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Obesity
  • Allergies that cause blockages in the airway
  • Position during sleep
  • Anatomical features in the throat like fat

Why Do People With Sleep Apnea Snore?

Snoring in people with OSA results from air being pushed through a blocked airway. It interrupts the person’s breathing, reducing the amount of oxygen that makes it to the lungs and bloodstream. People with sleep apnea can stop breathing for up to a minute. On the other hand, central sleep apnea’s symptoms come from the failure of the brain to regulate proper breathing. It fails to send the impulse that makes the lungs inhale. In both cases, afflicted people are unaware of their sleeping disruptions and wake up feeling tired in the morning. The fatigue results from sleeping interruptions, which force the individual to move from deep to light sleep several times.

How Can One Tell If Your Snoring Is a Symptom of Sleep Apnea?

Aside from fatigue, your snoring could indicate sleep apnea if you exhibit these symptoms during your wakeful hours:

  • Morning headaches, like a hangover
  • Difficulty in concentrating
  • Waking up in the middle of the night gasping or choking
  • Your companions notice lapses in your breathing while asleep
Asian man with Sleep apnea in Pembroke pines wearing CPAP

Get Diagnosed for Sleep Apnea in Pembroke Pines, FL

If you suspect that you or a family member has sleep apnea, visit our clinic for the appropriate tests. Contact us now and book an appointment with us.