A List Of Similarities And Differences Between The Sleep Complaint Sleep Apnea And Snoring

By Author: Ria Markus
Total Articles: 19
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When witnessing the condition Sleep Apnea, it is very easy to confuse it with snoring. Unfortunately the difference is it can lead to serious health conditions, if it is left untreated.

Sleep Apnea is caused by a variety of things, as in snoring although one is harmless, and the other is potentially dangerous. There is treatment however with the use of a CPAP machine.

Although many of us abuse our sleeping patterns, a good nights rest can benefit our health, well-being and mind. It is predicted that over 17 million in the US have the condition, most of them unaware. Therefore more awareness needs to made of what symptoms to look out for.

Good And Bad Snoring When a person snores it is usually the case the person is usually unaware that they are doing it. Light snorers are harmless and sleeping a full nights sleep is normal for them. However loud snorers usually suffer from Sleep Apnea. As the airway gets blocked, they can stop breathing for seconds and even minutes at a time, at the end of a breathing pause, it is followed by a grunt the reason behind why Sleep Apnea sufferers often ...
... get confused with snorers.

The morning after the night before they can also have a full nights sleep without waking. This might not be the case for their partner however. A person with Sleep Apnea will suffer with pauses in breath causing them to wake up gasping for breath. A person with Sleep Apnea has a very poor nights sleep leaving them feeling very drowsy the next day,

What Causes Sleep Apnea and Snoring There are many reasons behind why someone might snore: from by merely having a cold all the way to be overweight. Alcohol and smoking have also been proven to effect the condition. The causes of Sleep Apnea are very similar. However you are more at risk from Sleep Apnea if: you are male, overweight, over 40 years old and you have a large neck. The condition has also proven to be hereditary.

The Warning Signs The best way to know you have Sleep Apnea is by your spouse noticing you have stopped breathing or by undertaking a sleep study. However there are various symptoms you can have and notice yourself which could be a sign that you have Sleep Apnea, these include: Poor Quality of sleep, waking yourself by snoring especially if you have just fell asleep, headaches, depression and fatigue. It is always advisable to talk to a doctor about your concerns.

The Treatment A snorer when seeking help will be advised to use nasal strips, gum guards and told not to sleep on their backs. Sleep Apnea however is more vital to treat. CPAP machines are structured to help with the condition to provide a strong force air into the airway via a CPAP mask, keeping the airway open. Preventing pauses in breath occurring.

The amount of people who snore is very high, however they might be suffering from Sleep Apnea unknowingly. The condition is not dangerous if it is recognised, if you have concerns its best to visit your GP.