Snoring is closely associated with sleep apnea – and for good reason. The mechanisms behind this notorious nighttime sound are very similar to what triggers apnea instances. That said, it is possible that your snoring is the result of something else entirely! As you’ll see, not everyone who saws wood has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Keep reading to get the details.
What is Sleep Apnea?
First thing’s first: sleep apnea (or more specifically obstructive sleep apnea) is when airway blockage interrupts your rest. Sometimes overrelaxed oral muscles and tissue form the obstruction, sometimes it has more to do with the position of your jaw, and other times, it’s a bit of both. Regardless, lack of oxygen pulls you out of deep sleep or wakes you up entirely.
How is Snoring Related?
The way you produce sounds for speech is by using your lips, tongue, and teeth in a specific way. The way you produce sounds for snoring is by vibrating oral and nasal tissue with your breath.
Obviously though, you’re not doing this on purpose. Your muscles relax as you sleep, and gravity shifts, creating the perfect conditions for this type of noise. When your airway is blocked due to sleep apnea (or other reasons), oxygen passes through more quickly, and snoring is more likely to occur.
Other Causes of Snoring
Snoring and sleep apnea do often go hand-in-hand. But there are plenty of other factors that can also make your nightly breathing sound like a bear in the woods. Here are some examples:
- Obesity
- Consuming alcohol or sedative drugs before bed
- Frequently smoking cigarettes
- Sleeping on your back
- A stuffy nose and congestion
- Nasal polyps
- An abnormal bend in your nose, like a deviated septum
- Thyroid issues
- Swollen tonsils or other throat tissue
At the end of the day, the only way to know for sure whether your snoring is caused by obstructive sleep apnea is to take a sleep test. If you’re concerned that you’re not getting enough rest, don’t hesitate to talk to your PCP and local sleep expert. They’ll help diagnose your symptoms and make sure you receive the appropriate treatment!
About the Practice
Our sleep center in Denton is uniquely equipped to test for and treat sleep apnea. When you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by a team of board-certified specialists who have years of experience with helping patients sleep well and live better. To find out if your snoring is related to obstructive sleep apnea, contact our office today at 844-409-4657.