Posted: May 27, 2013
No, snoring is not necessarily the same as sleep apnea. Most people with sleep apnea snore, but not all people who snore have sleep apnea.
If you are concerned your snoring is a sign of sleep apnea, you should contact your physician as soon as possible. Sleep apnea can have serious effects on your health and can make it impossible to get the rest your body and brain need. Only a sleep doctor can determine whether you have sleep apnea.
Snoring can be caused by a number of things including:
- Being overweight
- Consuming alcoholic beverages before bed
- Taking sedatives
- Allergies
- Deviated septum
- Sinus infection
Snoring problems are common, and we all probably snore at some point. If your sleep partner has noticed your snoring is excessively loud and frequent, it may be a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep partners of people with sleep apnea may also notice loud gasps for air throughout the night.
If you feel extraordinarily tired during the day and have difficulty staying awake, these things may be signs of sleep apnea. The sleep disorder can also cause changes in your mood and ability to concentrate.
Although snoring does not mean you have sleep apnea, you should seek a medical evaluation if you have any reason to believe you are suffering from this sleep condition.
If you are interested in treatment for sleep apnea in Alberta, please contact the Aesthetic Dental Studio to schedule a complimentary consultation.
