Snoring might seem harmless, even a little funny at times, but it could be a sign of something more serious: sleep apnea. Understanding the difference is critical for a good night’s sleep and your overall health and well-being.
At All in the Family Dental, we’re here to help you uncover the root cause and find solutions that can transform your nights and your days. Whether improving your rest, boosting your energy, or protecting your heart health, addressing the issue could be the first step toward a better, healthier you.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing multiple times each night. If you have sleep apnea, you might gasp or choke while you’re sleeping.
Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea are:
- Extreme daytime fatigue
- Insomnia
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
- Depression
What Is Snoring?
Snoring is a sound that occurs when your throat muscles relax while you’re sleeping. These relaxed tissues vibrate when you breathe, making a harsh sound. Snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea vs. Snoring: How to Tell the Difference
Here are some of the ways you can tell if someone has sleep apnea:
- Their snoring is interrupted by paused breathing, which can last seconds to minutes.
- Once their breathing resumes, it’s followed by a loud snort or choking sound.
- These patterns happen multiple times every night.
- They wake up tired, even after a good night’s sleep.
- They fall asleep during the day.
Your Treatment Options
We use a home sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea. You’ll wear a device that measures how often you stop breathing while you sleep. Once a sleep physician verifies your diagnosis, we can discuss whether a custom oral appliance would help.
For some patients, wearing a mouthpiece at night alleviates their symptoms. It repositions their jaw and opens their airway.
