If you’ve ever shared a room with someone who snores, you know how disruptive it can be. But many are surprised to find out that the person doing the snoring is also experiencing disrupted sleep. Snoring is the most common symptom associated with a severe medical condition called sleep apnea. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea have interrupted airflow because of blocked air passages. The long term effects of sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues. If you think you or someone you know might be suffering from sleep apnea, call us today to find out more about possible treatment options.
Does Everyone With Sleep Apnea Snore?
The short answer is no. Although snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea, it is not the only symptom; some patients suffer from sleep apnea who do not snore or patients who snore but live alone so that no one can inform them of their snoring. If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, the best course of action is to schedule a sleep study. A sleep study can inform you about important health conditions and how your body functions. You can read more about what happens during a sleep study here.
Can I Have Sleep Apnea If I Don’t Snore?
Although snoring is often associated with Sleep Apnea, it is possible to have it without snoring. While snoring indicates that the upper airway is blocked, it does not always indicate sleep apnea. There can be various causes for this blockage, from allergies to sickness or the position you sleep in.
How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that affects many people each year. Unfortunately, the symptoms related to sleep apnea (most commonly snoring) aren’t enough to diagnose this condition. The best way to find out if you are suffering from sleep apnea is to schedule a sleep study. The experts at The Sleep Center at Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, PC, have studied sleep for years. As a result, we will be able to diagnose your issue and offer you a variety of treatments to help you get the sleep you need.
Should I Be Worried About Snoring?
Snoring is a common occurrence in adults. Statistically, 57% of men and 40% of women snore, and about a quarter of those noisy sleepers are considered habitual snorers. But snoring doesn’t only affect adults, about 10-12% of children snore too. The truth is snoring is usually harmless (although if your partner snores, you might disagree), but for some people, it can indicate a severe medical condition or sleep disorder. So when should you be worried about snoring? If you have difficulty staying asleep, often wake up with a headache, wake up gasping for air, or often wake up with a dry mouth, and have trouble staying awake during the day, you might suffer from sleep apnea.
How Do I Get Tested For Sleep Apnea?
If you think you or a loved one might suffer from sleep apnea, the next step is to schedule a sleep study. The experts at The Sleep Center at Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, PC, can help. When you plan your sleep study, we’ll be able to assess how your body functions during sleep, if you’re getting the oxygen you need, and recommend treatments for optimal results. Contact us for more information on sleep apnea treatments or to schedule your sleep study.