Dental Articles - Dentistry
What to Expect at Your First Family Dental Visit
Posted by Floss & Gloss Dental on Tue, 4 March 2025
Many people snore while sleeping, but does that mean they have sleep apnea? Although both are noisy when breathing while asleep, sleep apnea is worse and will do harm to your health. Knowing the difference between snoring and sleep apnea is crucial in receiving proper treatment. If you're seeking sleep apnea treatment in South Edmonton, several clinics offer specialized services to help manage this condition effectively.
What is Snoring?
Snoring occurs when air passes through the throat and makes the soft tissues vibrate. This produces a loud or raspy noise. Snoring may occur due to numerous reasons, including:
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Sleeping position (sleeping on the back)
- Obesity (excess weight around the neck)
- Drinking alcohol before going to bed
- Weak throat muscles
Snoring itself is not necessarily bad, but it can be frustrating for other people. At times, snoring is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a severe illness.
What is Sleep Apnea?
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form. The airway is blocked by relaxed muscles in the throat.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): The brain fails to transmit signals to the muscles that regulate breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A combination of both OSA and CSA.
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that results in the individual pausing breathing for a short time while sleeping. It occurs due to a blocked airway or a lack of proper signals from the brain to breathe. There are three classifications of sleep apnea:
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Individuals with sleep apnea tend to snore, but they also experience other symptoms such as:
- Breathing pauses while sleeping
- Waking up choking or gasping
- Extreme daytime tiredness
- Headaches upon waking in the morning
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Trouble concentrating
If not treated, sleep apnea can cause severe health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Is Snoring a Sign of Sleep Apnea?
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. But if your snoring is very loud and there are pauses in breathing, then it may be a danger sign. If you wake up with a gasp for breath or feel tired all day, then you should see a professional.
Key Differences
| Feature | Snoring | Sleep Apnea |
|---|---|---|
| Breathing Stops? | No | Yes |
| Health Risk? | Usually no | Yes |
| Symptoms? | Loud sound | Loud snoring, gasping, choking, tiredness |
| Treatment Needed? | Sometimes | Yes |
How is Sleep Apnea Different from Snoring?
Although snoring is simply noisy breathing, sleep apnea is an actual medical disorder affecting the amount of oxygen the body has. The biggest difference is that snoring does not stop breathing, but sleep apnea does. Sleep apnea patients may halt breathing several times each night and never realize it.
Who is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Certain individuals are more prone to sleep apnea, such as:
- Overweight individuals - Additional fat in the neck can close off the airway.
- Older individuals - Muscles get weaker with age.
- Men - More men than women are affected by sleep apnea.
- Individuals with a narrow airway - Some people naturally have narrow airways.
- Smokers - Smoking leads to swelling of the throat.
- Family history - If one parent has sleep apnea, the child is more likely to get it.
Treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring Treatment
- Alter sleeping posture - Sleeping on the side can help.
- Weight reduction - Excess fat in the neck region may block airflow.
- Nasal strips - Nasal strips keep the airway open.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Because sleep apnea is more severe, treatment is necessary. Some treatments are:
Key Takeaway
Snoring and sleep apnea can sound the same, but they are quite different. Snoring is often and usually harmless, but sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that must be treated. If you or someone you know snores loudly and is tired during the day, it is necessary to visit a professional. Sleep apnea can be treated to enhance sleep, energy, and overall health.
Protect Your Sleep, Protect Your Health Today!
If you're struggling with sleep apnea or snoring, it can greatly affect your health and well-being. At Floss and Gloss Dental, we provide customized treatments to make breathing and sleeping easier. Our welcoming staff is committed to making you feel comfortable and providing you the optimal care. Don't let sleeping problems affect your life — contact us today and take the first step towards a peaceful night's sleep!
Dentist Dental Flossing Dental Cleaning Dental Hygiene