Sleep Apnea in Tinton Falls, New Jersey

Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea

Snoring is caused by a blockage of air that is flowing through the passages at the back of an individual’s mouth and nose. When the flowing air becomes blocked, it results in loud vibrations or snores. In most situations, the blockages are caused by the person’s throat becoming overly relaxed while sleeping. Since snoring is the result of flowing air, snores generally occur whenever the person attempts to breathe. Although these loud vibrations can be bothersome to both the snorer and their partner, the condition itself is usually not serious; however, about 20 percent of all snoring is caused by another condition called obstructive sleep apnea. This disorder is the result of a person experiencing serious breathing trouble while asleep. People who are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea will take shallow breaths and experience long pauses in their breathing that can last anywhere from a few seconds to over a minute.

Since obstructive sleep apnea is a real possibility, any patient who experiences snoring should have their symptoms professionally examined. Even if you have had the condition ruled out in the past, you should still have a chronic snoring habit checked out from time to time. This is because obstructive sleep apnea can develop over time, including in people who are current snorers. If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can potentially lead to dangerous conditions including heart disease and stroke.