Snoring and sleep apnea: what’s the difference and why is it important?
Snoring is a common sleep habit that is often considered harmless. But when is snoring more than an annoying sound? In some cases, snoring may indicate a more serious underlying condition: sleep apnea. Recognizing the difference between the two is crucial, as sleep apnea can pose significant health risks. In this blog, we discuss the differences, the health impact and how you can do something about it.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts again repeatedly during sleep. This can happen dozens of times an hour without you even realizing it.
Apnea literally means “no” (= a) “air” (= pneu). Sleep specialists speak of abnormal apnea when you get no air at least 5 times per hour, for at least 10 seconds.
The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea, abbreviated as OSA, in which the airways are partially or completely blocked during sleep. Another, less common form is central apnea in which your brain temporarily fails to send a signal to the breathing muscles.
Health consequences of apnea
Sleep apnea has a broad impact on your health. The condition is associated with:
- hypertension
- cardiovascular disorders
- diabetes
- depression
- increased risk of stroke
Because sleep apnea often goes undetected, there is a risk of long-term health problems. That’s why it’s important for you to be alert for signs that may indicate sleep apnea.
Symptoms of sleep apnea
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are:
- loud snoring followed by silences, where breathing stops
- severe daytime fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep
- waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Irregular or wheezing breathing during sleep (usually noticed by your partner)
- excessive sleepiness, such as falling asleep at unexpected times during the day
If you recognize yourself when you read this list, it is essential to consider sleep apnea as a possible cause and seek out a specialist for a sleep study.
What is “just” snoring?
Snoring is the sound of vibrating mucous membranes in the pharynx. Ordinary snoring, then, results from vibrations of air in a narrowed passage in the airways. When the muscles of the pharynx slacken or when the passage is made more difficult, turbulent air is created that causes the mucous membranes to vibrate. This can be caused by factors such as:
- overweight
- alcohol just before bedtime
- sleeping on the back
- enlarged nasal polyps or tonsils (often in children)
- stuffy nose or allergies
- pregnancy
Although snoring in itself is usually not harmful, it can negatively affect the sleep quality of both snorer and partner.
Snoring and sleep apnea: the main differences
The main difference between snoring and sleep apnea lies in breathing. With sleep apnea, breathing stops repeatedly for extended periods of time (several seconds to a minute), whereas with ordinary snoring, breathing continues continuously. People with sleep apnea often experience:
- Fragmentation of sleep due to frequent breathlessness. You have insufficient deep sleep, leading to extreme daytime fatigue.
- An increased risk of serious health problems, while ordinary snoring rarely has this impact.
What can you do about snoring and sleep apnea yourself?
According to sleep specialists such as Alies Coster, Dr. W. Chris Winter, Johan Verbraecken and Inge Declercq, early recognition of sleep apnea is crucial. What can you do?
- Be alert to signals: Do you notice decreased sleep quality, increased fatigue and any comments from your partner and do you hear him or her snoring often? Do you notice breathlessness?
- Talk to your family doctor: A family doctor can make a good assessment of what is going on. The doctor usually refers people with possible symptoms of sleep apnea to an nko (nose, throat, ear) specialist. These specialists can perform a lot of tests. They often do a polysomnography at a sleep clinic or an OSLER test to see if you are at risk during the day.
- Live and sleep healthy: For milder forms of sleep apnea or snoring, losing weight, no alcohol before bed and sleeping on your side can already make a big difference.
Innovative solutions: which sleep products can help
In addition to lifestyle changes and medical treatment, specific (sleep) products can sometimes provide relief from both snoring and mild sleep apnea:
Ergonomic pillows: These pillows are designed to improve breathing by providing optimal support for the neck and airways. They help keep the airways open during sleep.
Electrically adjustable beds: By slightly raising the headboard of the bed, gravity helps keep the airways open, which can reduce snoring and breathlessness.
Anti-snoring tapes: These bands encourage side sleeping, which is often effective in reducing snoring. The band can be effective for open-mouthed snorers because it supports the lower jaw and chin.
An anti-snoring brace (ODA, OroDental Appliance): This brace prevents snoring and sleep apnea by moving the lower jaw slightly forward. This keeps the airways open during sleep and prevents the breathing from stalling (sleep apnea) or the tissue in the throat from vibrating (snoring).
Nasal strips or dilators: These products can help open nasal cavities, improving airflow.
CPAP devices: For patients with sleep apnea, CPAP(Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) devices offer a proven effective solution to regulate breathing during sleep.
Snoring and sleep apnea – Conclusion
Snoring is often harmless, but it can also be a sign of a more serious condition such as sleep apnea. It is vital to recognize the difference and seek timely help. In addition to medical interventions, innovative sleep products can help improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms.
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