Sleep Apnea vs. Snoring

Is Your Snoring an Indicator of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep is essential for our overall well-being, and disturbances during sleep can have a significant impact on our health and quality of life. Two common sleep-related issues that often get confused are sleep apnea and snoring. While both can disrupt a good night’s sleep, they’re distinct conditions with different causes, symptoms, and consequences. 

Our Bellevue, WA, sleep dentist at The Sleep Apnea and Facial Pain Center breaks down the differences and similarities between sleep apnea and snoring, helping you better understand these sleep-related issues.

What Is Snoring?

Snoring is common during sleep and is caused by the vibration of tissues in the throat as a person breathes. Snoring is not a sleep disorder but rather a symptom of airway obstruction or resistance to airflow during sleep.

The primary symptom of snoring is the sound produced during sleep. While many snorers don’t experience any significant issues related to snoring, it can be disruptive to bed partners and occasionally indicate underlying sleep apnea.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring can be caused by various factors, including:

• Obesity
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
• Nasal congestion
• Sleeping position
• Alcohol and sedative use
• Age-related muscle relaxation

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing, known as apneas, can last for seconds to minutes and occur multiple times during the night.

There are two primary types of sleep apnea:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, leading to the narrowing or complete closure of the airway. OSA can range from mild obstructive sleep apnea to severe obstructive sleep apnea, with varying symptoms and treatment options. Moderate obstructive sleep apnea is often treated with CPAP or alternative therapies.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA is less common and results from a failure of the brain to transmit the proper signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headache
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability

Differences Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea

There are a few distinguishing factors between sleep apnea and snoring, including:

• Nature: Sleep apnea involves pauses in breathing during sleep, while snoring is the noisy vibration of tissues during breathing.
• Consequences: Sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including cardiovascular problems, whereas snoring is generally considered a nuisance. Certain substances like sleeping pills can make sleep apnea worse.
• Diagnosis: Sleep apnea is diagnosed through sleep studies, while snoring is typically diagnosed based on the sound produced during sleep. A sleep study can also help identify other sleep disorders.
• Treatment: Treatment for sleep apnea may involve lifestyle changes, devices like CPAP machines, or surgery. A sleep apnea specialist like Dr. Doneskey can help plan the treatment and assess the extent of the condition. Snoring management often includes lifestyle modifications and devices like snoring mouthpieces.
• Symptoms: Sleep apnea is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, while snoring may not cause significant daytime symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treating Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

• Diagnosis: Sleep apnea is typically diagnosed through a sleep study (polysomnography) that monitors various aspects of your sleep, including breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and brain activity.
• Treatment: Treatment options for sleep apnea include lifestyle changes (weight loss, positional therapy), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, surgery (for severe cases), and addressing underlying medical conditions. Mild sleep apnea can be managed with lifestyle changes and myofunctional therapy. Moderate sleep apnea can be treated with nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) devices. Severe sleep apnea may require oral appliances or surgical options.

Snoring

• Diagnosis: Snoring is often diagnosed based on a physical examination and a discussion of symptoms. A sleep study may be recommended to rule out sleep apnea.
• Treatment: Snoring can be managed through lifestyle changes (weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives), positional therapy (changing sleep position), and snoring mouthpieces, such as our patented Silent Partner, or nasal strips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Know When to Seek a Sleep Specialist for Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you snore, it’s best to seek a sleep apnea evaluation. While snoring doesn’t always mean you have a sleep disorder, it’s always best to rule it out. Treating sleep apnea is crucial to prevent long-term health issues, as it can help reduce apnea events, improve symptoms, and enhance overall well-being. To learn more about our Bellevue, WA dentist, contact us today by calling (425) 646-6409.