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:
Marina Del Rey, CA
(310) 823-4444
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Long Beach, CA
(562) 774-0844
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Bakersfield, CA
(661) 695-8627
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