What is the Difference Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea?

Are you often accused of snoring during the night? Loud and frequent snoring throughout the night can be an indicator of a more serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. Not every snorer is affected by sleep apnea, but how do you know the difference between snoring and sleep apnea? Dr. Deborah Romack, your sleep apnea doctor, has answers for you!

What is Sleep Apnea?

The most common form of sleep apnea occurs when your airway becomes obstructed during the night because your soft tissues relax. This cuts off your oxygen supply and causes you to stop breathing during the night. Without enough oxygen, your brain signals you to wake up. Believe it or not, this can actually happen multiple, even hundreds of times throughout the night.

The Signs of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, is almost always characterized with loud snoring. This means snoring that is loud enough to wake your bed partner up. They may also notice that you stop breathing, or wake up with a gasp, choke, or cough. This is a telltale indicator of sleep apnea. People who snore lightly or softly aren’t typically suffering from a sleep disorder.

A sleep study can be used to determine if you’re suffering from sleep apnea. A machine will be used to determine if you stop breathing during the night, and if so, for how long, and how often. Once sleep apnea is diagnosed, proper treatment can be determined.

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Continuous positive airway pressure therapy, or CPAP, is the standard treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP is a machine that blows continuous air through a mask worn during the night to ensure that your airway doesn’t collapse. While it’s very effective, CPAP therapy can be uncomfortable or feel claustrophobic because of the mask worn while you sleep.

Dr. Romack offers alternative sleep apnea treatment in Weatherford, with the use of an oral appliance. For patients who suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral appliance can often replace CPAP therapy with much success. Patients who suffer from severe sleep apnea may benefit from a combination of both oral appliance and CPAP therapy.

Dr. Romack is happy to work in conjunction with your physician to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment for your sleep apnea, so you can reclaim your rest. Contact our office today to learn more.