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Have you ever been shaken awake and told that your snoring sounds like a chainsaw? Do you wake up tired in the morning despite having gone to bed early? Is your spouse frequently spending the night in another part of the house?
If so, you may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA affects more than 18 million adults.
Difference Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your mouth. Sleep apnea is a condition where the upper passages of your airway close off, interrupting your breathing and depriving you of oxygen until you wake and start breathing again. These are the most frequent symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Holding your breath during sleep
- Suddenly waking from sleep, gasping for breath
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating during sleep
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Excessive fatigue during the day
- Irritability
- Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
- Decreased sex drive or impotence
Can You Have Sleep Apnea Without Snoring?
You can snore loudly and not have sleep apnea, and you may even have sleep apnea without snoring. Just because snoring and sleep apnea are closely related, it doesn’t mean that if you snore, you have sleep apnea.
How Do You Know if You Have Sleep Apnea?
If you’re experiencing any of the sleep apnea symptoms described above, it’s very important that you seek treatment. Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea is directly tied to an increased risk in your cardiovascular and metabolic health.
If you or someone you know is suffering from sleep apnea-like symptoms, please contact one of our sleep centers or find a sleep care provider today.
