Do you snore almost every night? Has your family or partner told you that your nightly snoring drives them crazy? While snoring can sometimes be categorized as simple snoring, it can often be a sign of a serious sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea. How do you know the difference between simple snoring and snoring from sleep apnea? Once you know the difference, how do you treat it? Is treatment even important? The questions and answers of this quiz are designed to give you a bit more information on snoring and sleep apnea!
The Questions
- True or False: Multiple factors can cause snoring.
- True or False: Sleep apnea obstructs the airway.
- True or False: A custom oral appliance can treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- True or False: The only negative effect of OSA is sleepiness.
Answer Key
- True. Obesity, sleeping positions, allergies, sickness, and alcohol consumption can all cause snoring while you sleep. The sound of snoring is created when the soft tissues in the back of the mouth and throat partially block airflow, which causes air to be forced through and vibrate the soft tissues.
- True. Sleep apnea occurs when the same soft tissues completely obstruct the airway until the patients stop breathing. Your brain must then subconsciously wake you up to prevent suffocation. For many people, this can happen hundreds of times a night and lead to drowsiness, moodiness, and weight gain.
- True. An oral appliance can be custom-created for you to wear while you are sleeping. The appliance can help keep air passages unobstructed, which means you can keep breathing through the night and avoid snoring. When it is custom-made, it can ensure a comfortable fit for optimal treatment.
- False. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause sleepiness by preventing you from reaching deep, restful levels of sleep. The drops in oxygen levels in your blood caused by OSA can also cause you to develop high blood pressure, which can increase your risks for stroke, heart disease, and more.
Is your snoring a sign of sleep apnea?
Dr. Carmona can help you stop snoring. To learn more or to schedule a consultation at Austin Prosthodontics, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.
