Sleep apnea and snoring are two sides of the same problem – interrupted breathing that prevents you from getting restful sleep. This can cause daytime drowsiness that affects your work, school performance, and relationships. In addition, it can put you at increased risk for health problems like heart disease and stroke.URL:hillsborodentalexcellence.com

Most people who snore have obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when their throat muscles relax and narrow the airway. This causes the tissues in the back of their mouth to vibrate, resulting in loud snoring. It may also happen that the airway collapses completely (apnea) and no oxygen gets into their lungs, which is called central sleep apnea. During these episodes, people wake up with the sensation of gasping or choking.

Understanding the Link Between Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include waking with dry mouth or sore throat, feeling unsatisfied after sleeping, trouble staying awake during the day, irritability, and memory problems. People with obstructive sleep apnea often have weight gain, and they have a higher risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and diabetes.

People who snore and have signs of sleep apnea should talk to their doctor about it. They may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, stopping smoking or using alcohol, or treating nasal allergies or sinus infections. They may also suggest a test to see how well you breathe during sleep, such as a polysomnogram. Some people with obstructive sleep apnea may benefit from oral appliance therapy, which is provided by qualified dentists.