Mild snoring can be an annoyance to you or your family. But if you have chronic, loud and excessive snoring, it may indicate a more serious condition known as sleep apnea.
Those who have sleep apnea experience a sudden and repeated stoppage of breathing during sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a host of significant health issues, including heart problems, hypertension and stroke. The repetitive interruption of sleep each night can also result in daily fatigue, inability to concentrate, daytime sleepiness, headaches, sexual dysfunction and depression. If you snore excessively, a thorough examination by one of our expert doctors will determine your condition and the best course of treatment.
Snoring occurs when you sleep and make raspy or harsh breathing sounds. The noise is caused by the tissues in the back of your throat vibrating as a result of the air you are inhaling. Almost everyone snores now and then, and it's possible that it's related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in some situations. Snoring is something that almost everyone does from time to time, but for some people it can become a persistent problem.
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are both caused by the closure of the airway at the back of the throat while sleeping. Snoring occurs when the airway narrows somewhat but the person is still able to breathe normally. An apneic episode occurs when the airway collapses completely or nearly completely, preventing a person from drawing enough oxygen and exhaling enough carbon dioxide.
Because of the disruption in your sleep, you may only get a few hours of sleep. This breathing pause pattern may be repeated several times throughout the night. At least five times during each hour of sleep, people with obstructive sleep apnea have periods when their breathing slows or stops.
Snoring can be caused by a variety of things, including your mouth and sinus structure, alcohol intake, allergies, a cold, and your weight.
Depending on the cause of your snoring or sleep apnea, we may have solutions to help alleviate the condition.
Is Snoring Normal?
Typically, yes. Snoring can be a regular part of sleep. However, when your snoring constantly disrupts your sleep, you stop breathing while you sleep, or you find yourself constantly fatigued because of your lack of sleep due to snoring, it can be a sign of sleep apnea.
Many children snore during naps and while they sleep. However, this type of snoring is usually typical. Sleep apnea is most common in males over 40 years old, but it is something that anyone can have. It’s essential to know the symptoms of this condition, as it can often be dangerous if left untreated.
Symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up in the middle of the night from snoring
- Lack of breathing during sleep
- Abrupt awakenings from choking or gasping for air
- Sore throat or dry mouth in the morning
- Waking up with a headache
- Fatigue
- Interrupted sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Inability to focus
What Happens if I Leave Snoring and Sleep Apnea Untreated?
Because sleep apnea often causes people to stop breathing in their sleep, leaving this condition untreated can cause life-altering damage and put patients at risk for increased heart attacks, strokes, dementia, and brain damage. Treating your snoring and sleep apnea symptoms can help improve your energy levels, ability to sleep, concentration ability, and overall mood.
Are There Ways to Prevent Sleep Apnea?
While there is no way to prevent developing sleep apnea, there are multiple ways you can attempt to get better nightly sleep. These include:
- Have consistent times for waking up and going to bed
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Avoid caffeine, soda, and foods with high sugar
- Exercise routinely
- Ensure your bedding and pillows are comfortable
- Practice meditation, yoga, or unwinding after work and before bed
- Read a book before bed
- Avoid screentime before bed
Schedule Your Appointment With DelRey MD
If you are looking for a long-term way to treat your sleep apnea symptoms, the team at DelRey MD is ready to help. Serving patients in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield, CA, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve better sleep, cure their sleep apnea, and improve their lifestyles. Ready to learn if you’re a good candidate for sleep apnea treatment? Contact us at the following locations:
Snoring and Sleep Apnea FAQs
Can children suffer from snoring and sleep apnea?
Yes, children can also suffer from snoring and sleep apnea. In children, enlarged tonsils or adenoids are common causes of obstructed airways that lead to sleep apnea. Other factors may include obesity, allergies, and abnormalities in the facial bones or the airways. Symptoms in children might also include behavioral issues, bedwetting, and learning difficulties.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study or polysomnography, which records bodily functions during sleep, such as brain activity, eye movement, oxygen levels in the blood, heart rate, and breathing patterns. A more straightforward test known as a home sleep apnea test may also be used, which measures airflow, breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels.
Are there different types of sleep apnea?
Yes, there are three main types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Mixed Sleep Apnea, which is a combination of both obstructive and central. OSA is the most common due to physical blockage of airflow, while CSA is caused by a lack of respiratory effort due to neurological factors.
Is sleep apnea a permanent condition?
Sleep apnea can be a long-term condition depending on its cause and the effectiveness of treatment. Some cases related to excess weight may improve with weight loss, while others caused by anatomical differences may require ongoing treatment such as CPAP therapy or surgery.
What treatments are available for snoring and sleep apnea?
Treatment for snoring and sleep apnea varies depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and changing sleep positions, may help reduce snoring. For sleep apnea, treatments might include using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which keeps the airway open by providing a constant stream of air through a mask. Other treatments include oral appliances, surgeries, and positional therapy.
What role does diet play in managing sleep apnea?
While diet directly affects body weight, it can indirectly impact sleep apnea. A healthy, balanced diet can aid in weight management, reducing the severity of sleep apnea in overweight individuals. Additionally, reducing fluid intake before bedtime can decrease the likelihood of nighttime awakenings due to sleep apnea.
Can lifestyle changes really help with sleep apnea?
Yes, certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact the management of sleep apnea. Weight loss can reduce the amount of tissue in the throat that may be causing the airway obstruction. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime can also help, as these substances can relax the throat muscles, exacerbating airway blockage. Sleeping on your side can also prevent the tongue and soft tissues from obstructing the airway.
Why choose us for snoring and sleep apnea treatment?
Our specialists are leaders in sleep medicine, offering personalized care based on the latest research and treatments. We continually update our skills to provide you with the best care possible. Your comfort and confidentiality are paramount. We offer a supportive environment and attentive care through each step of your treatment, ensuring your needs are understood and respected. Our practice is known for its effectiveness in enhancing sleep quality and overall health, with many patients experiencing significant improvements under our care.
