Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Next to extreme tiredness during the daytime hours, loud snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. However those who snore do not necessarily suffer from sleep apnea. Making the distinction between the two is very important. In some cases snoring can be a precursor to sleep apnea but not always. Doctors cannot determine ahead of time which patients who snore will develop sleep apnea and which will not. Other factors such as gender, age, weight, smoking, drinking, etc. can play a role in the appearance of sleep apnea.
If you suspect that your snoring may be leading to sleep apnea it is essential to pay close attention to both the pattern and sound of your snoring behavior. Is your snoring of the regular steady variety or is it loud, habitual, and occurs in bursts that alternate between regular calm breathing and/or gasping or choking for air? If you experience the latter then you are likely suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
If you do not have sleep apnea and this fact has been confirmed by a doctor, and instead suffer from snoring then there are a variety of ways you can try to correct your condition. If excess weight is the problem then make a concentrated effort to lose pounds and make sure you do this in a healthy way. Never put your health at risk by going on a diet that is dangerous. In order to lose the weight try to eat less, eat healthier and exercise more. Excessive weight is not good for your overall health and in regards to snoring, it can mean extra weight bearing down on the throat.
If you are a smoker, by all means, quit smoking. Smoking causes a “decreased lung capacity” and this can increase the likelihood of snoring taking place. If you have a tendency to sleep on your back change this and instead sleep on your left or right side or your stomach.
A surgical procedure known as laser-assisted uvulaplasty (LAUP) is useful for some snoring sufferers. However surgery should always be considered a last resort. If snoring is a major problem for you and/or disrupts your spouse or bed partner you should consult with your doctor or health care provider and find out how best to resolve the problem. For some people lifestyle changes are all that is needed to improve the situation whereas people with more serious, long-term snoring might need to take more drastic measures and consult a doctor for guidance.
Snoring is a very common problem and while some individuals are aware of their snoring and often wake themselves up, others find it necessary to be made aware of their condition by an other person who often finds him or herself awakened and frustrated by the loud snoring sounds. If snoring takes place over an extended period of time, it can cause the soft palate of the throat to increase in size. It cannot be stressed enough- while it is often believed that snoring is the cause of sleep apnea and while this may be the reality in some cases, it is also believed that snoring could “actually be a cause of changes that triggers some cases of sleep apnea.
For an excellent alternative to help you sleep, click on the banner below
