Is Snoring Always a Sign of Sleep Apnea? (ADD DR AS AUTHOR)

Many people snore while sleeping, and usually, it’s nothing to worry about. However, snoring can also be a sign of sleep apnea, an obstructive breathing condition that leads to severe health risks if left untreated. But is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea? The answer is a little tricky. 

While sleep apnea may not initially appear to be a dental concern, our office offers progressive sleep apnea treatment. Here’s what you should know about the differences between simply sawing logs and actual sleep apnea. 

Is Snoring Always a Sign of Sleep Apnea? An Alexandria, Virginia, Dentist Explains

While snoring is a primary symptom of sleep apnea, it doesn’t always indicate that a person is suffering from sleep apnea. Let’s take a closer look. 

• Snoring occurs when airflow is distorted in some manner when you’re sleeping and creates an unnatural sound.
• Snoring indicates that there’s some form of blockage in your breathing when you sleep. 

Even if you don’t have sleep apnea, it can be beneficial to have your sleep patterns and snoring condition checked out by trained medical professionals in order to determine what’s causing the obstruction. 

What is Sleep Apnea? 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a narrowing of the airway, causing your breathing to become restricted. This condition causes loud, excessive snoring, but that isn’t the only symptom. Other sleep apnea symptoms include: 

• Interrupted breathing during sleep
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Considerable daytime fatigue and difficulty focusing
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth and sore throat

Because of decreased oxygen levels in the blood, untreated sleep apnea can often lead to greater problems down the road, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.