Nose Treatments

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring and sleep apnea are related sleep disorders that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and overall health. Snoring is the noisy breathing during sleep caused by the vibration of tissues in the throat as airflow becomes obstructed. While snoring alone may not always indicate a serious issue, it can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to daytime fatigue.

Sleep apnea is a more severe condition characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. These pauses, known as apneas, can occur multiple times per hour and may last for seconds to minutes. Sleep apnea can be obstructive, where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked, or central, where the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health problems such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea may include lifestyle changes (such as weight loss or sleeping position adjustments), oral appliances, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, surgery, or a combination of these approaches. Seeking medical evaluation and treatment is crucial for managing these conditions and improving sleep quality and overall health.