The harsh or hoarse sound produced when air passes from your mouth's relaxed tissues is known as snoring. People with sleep apnea may experience their upper airway narrowing because of insufficient oxygen levels and difficulty in breathing.

Everyone snores once at some point of time during the night, as it is a common condition that affects many people's night sleep. According to research studies, it is identified that 44% of people snore daily. However, sleep apnea may be indicated by loud, frequent snoring caused by gasping, choking, or breathing issues. 

If you face any breathing or choking problems, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as specifically when you notice additional symptoms with sleep apnea.

Causes and Triggers

Various factors are associated with snoring, including nasal congestion, sleeping position and relaxed throat muscles. Excessive weight may lead to snoring, and it is not limited to people with higher BMIs. Many people snore without realizing it until a family member or roommate points it out, but it's typically harmless.

Frequency and Severity

Snoring does cause any harm and can happen frequently. Conversely, sleep apnea disturbs sleeping in the night because it happens in frequent breaks or episodes that create difficulty in breathing and can affect an individual's health.

Health Issues

Having Sleep apnea can further cause different health issues, which include cardiovascular-related problems, high blood pressure, and strokes. People who have sleep apnea remain exhausted during the day and unable to concentrate on work, and it happens only because of disrupted sleeping patterns. You need medical care immediately to protect yourself from long-term health complications. On the other hand, snoring does impose any health conditions.

Snoring Vs Sleep Apnea

The upper airway's airflow is altered in both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea treatment. People who have OSA snore frequently. It is not necessary that everyone with OSA snores, whereas individual snores frequently.

Breathing stops or slows down for longer than 10 seconds at a time during sleep in people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is a reason that makes OSA a severe sleep disorder that is shown in low blood oxygen levels, brief and partial awakenings, fragmented sleep, and daytime sleepiness.

Naturally, one would know the difference between sleep apnea and snoring. As such there is no foolproof to distinguish sleep apnea and snoring. It is still beneficial to be aware of the possible indicators that snoring may be connected to OSA.

It is worth mentioning that snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are widespread at the global level. Over time, there are chances that snoring may transform into sleep apnea. This is the only reason that you need to take care of and repeat medical for OSA from time to time. 

Wrapping It Up

After reading this article, now you have a clear picture and understand the difference between snoring and sleep apnea. This information will help you make the appropriate decisions. If you are seeking sleep apnea, you can contact the dentist downtown houston for the best treatment and valuable information. Get rid of the sleep apnea and enjoy a peaceful, good night's sleep.