Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Contrary to popular belief, snoring isn't simply a bad habit that a person can be trained to give up. In 80-90% of cases, snoring occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax during sleep and narrow the air passage in the back of our nose and throat. If the uvula (that conspicuous dollop of fleshy tissue hanging at the back of the throat) extends into the air passage, the situation only gets worse. As the person breathes during sleep, the passage of air through the narrowed opening caused the characteristic "rattling" sound of snoring.

Aside from being a nuisance, snoring may also be a warning sign of a much more serious medical disorder, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This occurs when excess tissue blocks the airway completely and individuals literally cannot breathe while asleep. They must wake briefly, many times an hour, to gulp for air. Because it occurs when you're asleep, some people with OSA are completely unaware that they have the condition. However, they may suffer the consequences of the struggle to maintain nighttime breathing: fatigue, irregular heartbeats, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Snoring, without apnea, is not usually harmful to your health. Many snorers do not have significant OSA. However, careful medical attention is required to ensure OSA is properly diagnosed and treated.

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