Sleep, Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Are you one of those people who snore? If so, you are not alone. But do you know if your snoring is simply a factor of noisy sleeping, or whether it is due to a serious condition call obstructive sleep apnea? How can you tell the difference?

Your run-of-the-mill snoring can be caused by a variety of issues, including weaker muscles in your tongue and throat, obstructed nasal airways, and being overweight. Sometimes simple measures, such as losing weight, exercising, and drinking less alcohol, can fix the problem.

On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea can be quite serious. People who suffer from this condition will move in and out of deep sleep many times at night because their airways temporarily become blocked, which greatly reduces the quality of sleep. Aside from disturbing your sleep, if left untreated, you are at greater risk for certain health issues, such as increased blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.

But there are ways to remedy obstructive sleep apnea, and one of those strategies is with a CPAP machine. This device connects a tube from the machine to a mask that fits over your mouth and/or nose. Air is blown through the tube into your always to keep a steady and continuous flow of air. This keeps your airways open, which allows for normal breathing during sleep. Although it may take some getting used to, a CPAP machine can signal the end to snoring and the start of better sleeps.

Keeping yourself healthy is a great way to continue to enjoy life. And if you snore, regardless of the reason, make sure you consult your doctor. They can properly diagnose your issue and find the right solution for your specific situation. And that means you – and your partner – will get a better sleep.