Snoring or Sleep Apnea?

The number one symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. Usually the first sign of sleep apnea comes from snoring. But, to tell the difference is the person’s breathing pattern. A person with this actually stops breathing.

Normally, upon a doctor’s request, a sleep study is suggested. Sleep studies are conducted in order to find out how often a person stops breathing during sleep. This is measured by the amount of time in seconds and minutes. The results of a sleep study determine the severity or the type.

There are three different types of sleep apnea. These are obstructive, central and mixed.

Obstructive is the most common form. This is caused by a blockage of the airway. During sleep a person’s tongue can block their airway.

Central sleep apnea is rare and causes the brain to fail in sending signals to the muscles that control breathing while sleeping.

Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central.

My story starts here…

I have a long history with sleep apnea. I did not seek help for this condition until I was in my mid to late 20’s. At the time I did not recognize the signs, nor understand it. My wife would let me know about my snoring. I will admit that my snoring was a problem.

In 2007, I took part in my first sleep study to determine if I had sleep apnea. Come to find out based on the results it was very bad. I indeed had sleep apnea. I stopped breathing 60 times in a minute. My doctor at the time suggested that I wear a CPAP machine to help me breathe while I sleep.

My first experience with the CPAP mask was not good. The mask was a full covering of the nose and mouth. The mask made me feel very claustrophobic.

I would wake up several times during the night and rip the mask off my face. This would continue until I requested a more comfortable smaller mask. The smaller mask fitted around my nose and not half of my face.

My doctor would eventually refer me to an ear, nose and throat specialist. After meeting with the specialist, he realized that my jaw was too far back. This placed my teeth and tongue over my airway when I slept. So therefore, the specialist ended up performing a jaw reconstruction surgery.

Some time later, I participated in a second sleep study to see if the surgery had helped. In the second study is where I learned that I had a mix of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. The information was left out the first time. Yes I am one of the rare lucky ones.

With that said…

Sleep apnea is no laughing matter. If untreated, sleep apnea becomes fatal. In addition sleep apnea can cause issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.

Check out our article on understanding and how to deal with high blood pressure here.

Signs and symptoms to watch out for include loud snoring, morning headaches, daytime excessive sleeping, gasping for air while sleeping, and waking with dry mouth. If you think that you have sleep apnea, consult with your doctor and get a study done. If you have sleep apnea please use the CPAP machine. It will save your life…….

Want to stop snoring! Try these easy throat, tongue and jaw exercises to eliminate snoring as soon as tonight. Click here!

Correcting Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that could threaten your life. Thankfully, there are
steps you can take to control sleep apnea and experience a more restful night’s sleep.

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing while you’re asleep.

With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a portion of the airway closes during the sleeping process
that causes the airway to become blocked. The tongue is a common blocker in the
airway, as well as the upper portion of the larynx. As your body settles into sleep,
the muscles of the throat relax and begin to close. This results in a narrowing of the airway,
which interferes with respiration.

In extreme cases, you may briefly stop breathing hundreds of times in one night. The result
is a poor night’s rest and fatigue throughout the day.

Central Sleep Apnea has the same result, but occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper
signals to the muscles that control breathing while the body is in a state of sleep.

Sleep apnea can be difficult to diagnose without a sleep study. Since you cannot hear
yourself snore, a family member or spouse can tell you if you’re snoring throughout the
night.

Consult your physician if you experience the following, or your partner observes these:

• Snoring loud enough to disturb the sleep of others or yourself
• Shortness of breath that awakens you from sleep
• Intermittent pauses in your breathing during sleep
• Excessive drowsiness that impedes normal functions
• Catching yourself falling asleep while doing routine tasks, like driving, watching
television, or working

A physician may refer you to a sleep-study center if he’s concerned that you might have
sleep apnea. After an initial appointment to gather information, you’ll be asked to return for
an evening. The center will hook you up to several wires and electrodes that will monitor
your breathing patterns as you sleep.

Once the observation is complete, a specialist will analyze your breathing, heart rate and
sleep patterns. In some cases, you’ll be asked to return for another night of observation. This
time, you’ll sleep wearing a device called a CPAP (Consistent Positive Airway Pressure).

CPAP uses a simple mask connected to a machine that provides constant pressure while you
sleep. This keeps the airway open. This is the most common method used to correct
obstructive sleep apnea.

If CPAP is ineffective, other adjustable airway devices can be used adjust the pressure in the
airway while you sleep. Oral devices that shift the position of the jaw in order to open the
airway are another treatment option.

There are several things you can do at home to correct sleep apnea:

1. 1. Eat right and exercise. Weight often contributes to sleep apnea. A healthy diet
      and regular exercise can sometimes decrease or eliminate the symptoms of
      apnea.

2. 2. Avoid alcohol before sleeping. Alcohol and certain medications may relax your
      muscles to the point that they cause obstructive sleep apnea. Consult your doctor
      before reducing the dosage or changing the time you take any medication.

3. 3. Sleep in a different position. Changing sleeping position can often help greatly,
      especially if you’re used to sleeping on your back. Instead, try laying on your side or
      abdomen for a better night’s sleep.

4. 4. Use breathing strips. Breathing strips open the nostrils to help you breathe easier. A
      saline spray or saline irrigation may help to eliminate mucus buildup in the airway and
      clear the way for easier breathing while you slumber.

Seek the advice of a family physician to determine the best course of action for your particular situation.

For information on sleep studies and to find a center in your area, contact your local hospital or speak with your doctor.

The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll experience the restful night’s sleep your body so desperately needs this.