Sleep apnea and snoring are two common problems faced by people that can affect their quality of life. Read on to know more about these conditions and how they can be treated.

What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person suddenly stops breathing while asleep. It can make them gasp for breath. In many cases, they may not even be aware of it. In severe cases, the affected individual will wake up with a start and find it difficult to breathe.

Sleep apnea is potentially dangerous. The main problem is lack of sleep, which causes daytime drowsiness and inability to concentrate while performing daily tasks. It can also lead to headaches, irritability, and many other problems that affect the quality of life.

How is snoring related to sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea and snoring are interrelated. It is estimated that around 90 million people in the country face the problem of snoring while asleep. It is also believed that nearly 20 million of them could have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes snoring due to the disturbance in breathing. But not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.

Snoring vs. sleep apnea
It is important to know the difference between sleep apnea and snoring. Snoring is common and occurs due to a narrow air passage. Sinus-related problems, bad sleep position, and being overweight can make the airways narrow and lead to snoring.

Snoring in sleep apnea is different. It is much louder and regular. A clear indication of sleep apnea is suddenly gasping for breath while snoring. In fact, a person can have these sudden gasps for breath hundreds of times while asleep.

People with sleep apnea tend to sleep with their mouths open. This happens to ensure they can breathe better. But, it can lead to a dry or sore feeling in the mouth in the morning.

How can sleep apnea be treated?
There are different ways to treat sleep apnea. Here are some of the ways in which one can get relief from the symptoms of sleep apnea:

• A mouthpiece or a mechanical device is placed in the mouth before sleeping. This device ensures that the lower jaw is thrust forward, and it can also hold the tongue in place. In this way, an individual can prevent snoring and breathe easily. It is suitable for those who have mild to moderate sleep apnea.
• CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure is a treatment where a device is placed over the mouth. The device ensures that the airways remain open at night by providing continuous air pressure, leading to a uniform breathing pattern. It helps in reducing incidents of waking up gasping for breath.
• In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be needed.
• Weight loss, exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and sleeping on the side are some other ways to manage the symptoms of sleep apnea.