Snooring & Sleep Apnea

What does snoring mean?

What Causes Snoring ?

Snoring is usually caused by vibrations of tissues in the airway, such as the soft palate and tongue, during sleep. These vibrations are usually caused by narrowing or obstruction in the airway. In addition, factors such as adenoid enlargement, nasal septum curvature, overweight and alcohol consumption can also cause snoring.

What is Sleep Apnea ?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds to minutes and can occur multiple times throughout the night. Sleep apnea can be of two main types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway, and central sleep apnea (CSA), which happens when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Both types can lead to disruptions in sleep patterns and potentially serious health issues if left untreated.

What Causes Sleep Apnea ?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):

Muscle Relaxation:

During sleep, the muscles in the throat and tongue relax. In some individuals, this relaxation can cause the airway to become partially or completely blocked, leading to breathing pauses or shallow breathing.

Excess Weight:

Obesity or excess weight can contribute to the development of OSA by increasing the amount of soft tissue around the airway, which can obstruct breathing during sleep.
Anatomical Factors: Certain anatomical features such as a narrow airway, enlarged tonsils, or a large tongue can also contribute to OSA.

Age and Gender:

OSA is more common in older adults and males.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA):

Brain Signal Issues:

CSA occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing during sleep. This can result from conditions such as heart failure, stroke, or disorders affecting the brainstem.

High Altitude:

Sleeping at high altitudes can also contribute to the development of central sleep apnea in some individuals.

Complex Sleep Apnea (Mixed Apnea):

Some individuals may experience a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea, known as complex sleep apnea or mixed apnea.
Other factors that can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea include smoking, alcohol consumption, family history of sleep apnea, and certain medical conditions such as nasal congestion, allergies, and hormonal disorders.