Sleep Apnea vs Snoring: How to Spot the Signs
Did you know that approximately 6.4% of Canadians have been diagnosed with sleep apnea? This means that up to 6% of Canadians experience restless sleep.
But what really is sleep apnea? Does it mean that you just snore a lot while sleeping? There’s a lot more to it.
The Basics of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that affects you while you are sleeping. In simplest terms, you can stop breathing during your sleep. This can happen due to a blockage of your airway or your brain not correctly controlling your breathing.
Either way, the lack of oxygen activates a survival reflex, so your body will wake up when you stop breathing. The lack of restful sleep can have many side effects on your overall well-being.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The main concern of sleep apnea is that it disrupts your sleep cycle on a nightly basis. It can even affect your blood oxygen levels because of the reduction in breathing during this time.
There are different severity levels of sleep apnea. For instance, moderate sleep apnea means that those suffering from it wake up between 15 and 29 times every single hour while sleeping.
If you suspect you or a loved one is dealing with sleep apnea, it is important to identify the signs. Here are a few of the symptoms to look out for:
You may feel tired when you first wake up
Tiredness during the day, even when driving, working, or participating in another activity
Sudden mood swings and irritability
Loud snoring or choking during the night
Memory loss or trouble concentrating on everyday tasks
Family members have witnessed pauses and breathing during your sleep
Waking up repeatedly during the night
If you notice any sleep apnea symptoms, speak with a professional to get to the root of the issue for treatment. Dr. Nasralla is trained to screen for sleep apnea and other breathing disorders. Schedule a consultation today!
Snoring with Sleep Apnea
While snoring is common for those who experience sleep apnea, that does not mean that all snorers suffer from this breathing disorder.
However, you should seek screening for sleep apnea if your snoring is also accompanied by gasping or choking or if you entirely stop breathing during sleep.
Sleep Apnea Screening in Comox-Courtenay
Having sleep apnea is extremely troublesome because of the effects that it can have on your body. Contact a professional if you believe you are struggling with sleep apnea and snoring.
At Dr. Phil, the Dentist, we can help diagnose and work with your physician to treat your sleep apnea so that you have a better experience with sleeping and your overall daily life. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.