Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Though some symptoms overlap between obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, the two conditions are very distinct. Both snoring and sleep apnea disturb standard sleep patterns, putting patients in a constant battle against the negative consequences of insufficient rest. However, even though obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often includes snoring, just because you snore doesn’t mean you have OSA. Our Okemos sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, demystifies the difference between snoring and obstructive sleep apnea so that you can seek proper medical attention for either condition.
What is snoring?
Snoring is a widespread nocturnal activity among humans. Although some people snore consistently, others may only snore when sick. Our Lansing area dentist, who treats sleep apnea, explains that when your airway gets blocked, the respiratory structures vibrate and cause snoring. In addition, several common anatomical features, such as an extended soft palate, an oversized tongue, or nasal blockages, may restrict airflow and lead to snoring that’s unrelated to sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder requiring medical diagnosis and treatment because it causes shallow breathing or unexpected breathing pauses during sleep. As a result, your body doesn’t receive the oxygen it needs to function, and you don’t get the quality sleep you need. Unfortunately, most people with sleep apnea don’t realize they have it until their bed companions point out the obvious signs. However, our East Lansing dentist, who treats obstructive sleep apnea patients, strongly encourages you to investigate the situation with a qualified medical professional to limit harmful health effects. Also, those with a loved one with sleep apnea may find it challenging to get a good night’s rest because of the disruptions caused by their partner’s condition. So, it could be beneficial to both parties when you address your sleep condition.
What are the symptoms of OSA?
OSA has several symptoms that can interfere with your life. For example, many OSA sufferers wake up with a headache that over-the-counter medications rarely address. On the other hand, other patients may experience a dry throat, hypertensive disorders, gasping or choking for air while sleeping, night sweats, sleeplessness, or snoring. Furthermore, our Okemos dentist, that treats OSA, explains that sleep apnea sufferers often report feeling tired and drowsy throughout the day because of their interrupted sleep patterns. Undoubtedly, these feelings can drastically reduce their motivation, attentiveness, and productivity at work due to exhaustion.
How can I find out if I only snore or have sleep apnea?
Discovering that you snore may not be surprising. But it can be challenging to determine if you’re only snoring or if there’s another underlying health condition. Therefore, once you find out that you’re snoring, it’s time to connect with medical professionals to uncover your condition’s severity and provide effective treatment that can protect your overall health and wellness. While only a sleep specialist can diagnose sleep apnea conditions and severity, our East Lansing sleep apnea dentist can offer effective treatments to help you get a better night’s rest.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Not getting an adequate sleep amount can dramatically affect you every day. From starting the day with a headache to chronic sleepiness, you may struggle to focus and complete your To Do list. So, if you identify with any sleep apnea symptoms and want to speak with a Lansing area sleep apnea dentist about your condition, please call Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tenaglia today.