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Unveiling The Truth
Snoring refers to a harsh or hoarse sound made when air passes through relaxed tissues in the throat, causing them to vibrate while breathing. Everyone snores occasionally, but chronic snoring can be a cause for concern. Sleep Apnea, on the other hand, is a potential sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly starts and stops. In simpler terms, a person suffering from Sleep Apnea will experience disrupted breathing while asleep.
RISK FACTORS
OF SNORING
-Gender: Men snore more often than women.
-Weight: Being overweight can cause loud snoring, which can eventually lead to a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
-Nasal Issues: Issues like a narrow airway or congestion increase the likelihood of snoring.
-Lifestyle: Alcohol consumption and smoking can also lead to snoring.
HOW SNORING IS CO-RELATED TO SLEEP APNEA
Snoring and Sleep Apnea often go hand in hand. Loud and frequent snoring can be a sign of Sleep Apnea. The louder the snoring, the greater the risk of suffering from Sleep Apnea.
WHO DOES SLEEP APNEA AFFECT?
-Age: Before the age of 50, Sleep Apnea is more common in men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). After the age of 50, it affects women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB).
-Weight: Excess weight or obesity significantly increases the risk of Sleep Apnea.
-Heart Disease: Individuals with heart conditions like Congestive Heart Failure have a higher chance of developing Sleep Apnea.
HOW DOES
SLEEP APNEA AFFECT ONE’S BODY?
Understanding Sleep Apnea requires knowing about the Sleep Cycle:
(1) Light Sleep: This short stage begins right after you fall asleep and accounts for 5% of your total sleep time.
(2) Deep Sleep: This deeper stage makes up about 45% to 50% of all sleep time.
(3) Slow Wave Sleep: The deepest stage, making up about 25% of total sleep time. Waking directly from this stage can cause “Sleep Inertia”.
(4) REM Sleep: Stands for “Rapid Eye Movement” and is the stage where dreaming occurs.
A complete sleep cycle takes 90 to 110 minutes, and Sleep Apnea can disrupt this cycle by causing increased pressure in blood vessels around the heart, potentially damaging the heart muscle.
INDICATIONS THAT SNORING MIGHT BE SLEEP APNEA
Common symptoms include snoring and choking or gasping for air. Other symptoms to be aware of include:
-Fatigue: Persistent tiredness, even after a full night’s sleep.
-Daytime Sleepiness: Severe cases can cause drowsiness or sleepiness during the day.
-Mood Swings: Depression and anxiety are common symptoms.
-Disturbed Sleep: Waking up frequently at night.
-Disruptions in Brain Functions: Memory loss, trouble concentrating, and other brain-related issues.
-Breathing Problems: Occasional pauses in breathing during sleep.
TYPES OF SLEEP APNEA
(1) Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, occurring when muscles in the neck and head relax, causing surrounding tissue to press on the windpipe.
(2) Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Occurs when the brain doesn’t send signals to keep breathing-related muscles working.
(3) Mixed/Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of both Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea.
PREVENTION
-Maintain a Healthy Weight: Regular exercise and a balanced diet.
-Manage Sleep Hygiene: Ensure you get adequate and restful sleep.
-Medical Checkups: Regular health checkups, especially if you have conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or Type 2 diabetes.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Loud snoring might signal a serious issue, though not everyone with Sleep Apnea snores. It is essential to talk to your doctor if you experience sleep problems that leave you feeling tired, sleepy, or irritable. Consult our experts at CARE Hospitals for prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
CONCLUSION
Understanding the relationship between Sleep Apnea and snoring is crucial for maintaining a healthy life. Addressing sleep issues can improve the quality of your sleep and reduce the risk of associated complications, leading to a healthier life. At LECC Hospitals, our healthcare professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve better sleep health through personalized care and effective treatment strategies.
To book an appointment with Emmanuel Adebiyi, Consultant Sleep Physician at Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre, – +234 817 365 1737, ,
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