Sleep disorders are often lumped together despite distinct differences. Sleep apnea vs. snoring is an example of two different conditions treated in a similar way, although both situations require individual attention. Here are details on the difference between snoring and sleep apnea.
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Key Differences
- snoring is due to obstructed respiration
- sleep apnea causes improper breathing during sleep
- snoring can be caused when the tongue hits the back of the throat
Regular Snoring
Most snoring happens because of flapping tissues touching each other in the airway of the throat. Snoring can be an indicator of sleep apnea and it is possible for someone to be snoring and suffer from sleep apnea at the same time. Even if you are someone who snores lightly on a regular basis, you may want to tell your physician about it to find out if it's related to a sleep disorder.
One of the simplest ways to treat snoring is to use a snoring mouthpiece. For the most part, snoring is a harmless condition.
The Nature of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be caused by a variety of factors. If another disease is involved, it can lead to the narrowing of the throat. Obesity is a major risk factor contributing to more serious sleep apnea cases.
Treatment for sleep apnea varies, but certain cases may include a sleep study at a sleep disorder facility. Individuals may be tested for levels of blood oxygen and electrical activity. A common treatment for sleep apnea patients is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask. Without treatment, it's possible to suffocate from the way the tongue blocks air passage in the throat.
In many cases, sleep apnea occurs when your throat muscles and tissues relax, causing them to sag, which affects respiration. Lack of oxygen can wake you up intermittently throughout the night. This routine is often forgotten the next morning. Loud snoring is one of several symptoms of sleep apnea, along with pauses in breathing, high blood pressure and lack of energy.
Loud Snoring
Snoring occurs at different sound levels. The louder the snoring, the more concern you should have. Loud snoring results from tissues in the airway vibrating. Sometimes loud snoring may accompany Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), in which the airway is obstructed. The combination of an obstructed airway and the lack of breathing creates a concern that should be examined by a professional.
