Among the sleep disorders we find one that is very difficult to diagnose because it is often confused with snoring. It is the syndrome of sleep apnea, whose consequences are both physical and emotional. This type of insomnia requires medical treatment as soon as possible, but first you have to learn to differentiate it from classic snoring.
What is sleep apnea
- Sleep apnea consists of loud snoring followed by a brief stop in breathing. After this moment of no breathing, the person with sleep apnea wakes up agitated and it may take time to get back to sleep. The consequences of this sleep disorder are obvious, because the next day daytime sleepiness, exhaustion and lack of concentration appear.
- This is a fairly common problem that directly affects the quality of sleep. People with sleep apnea sleep poorly and do not rest. And those around you may also suffer from insomnia problems. If sleep apnea is initially associated with obese people or even smokers, studies reveal a strong genetic component in this disease that requires medical treatment.
- Many times sleep apnea is not given due importance because it is confused with snoring. Indeed, people who suffer from this sleep disorder snore but that snoring is interrupted by brief respiratory stops that are the ones that end up making them up during sleep. The inability to get restful sleep can have serious consequences during the day, in addition to negatively influencing mood.
How to avoid sleep apnea
- We are facing a medical problem that needs to be treated by a sleep specialist. But we must also take into account some aggravating factors that can trigger this problem, such as excessive weight, deviation of the nasal septum, polyps, the shape of the jaw, or thyroid problems. It also seems that some medications, such as anxiolytics, can promote the onset of sleep apnea.
- Some behaviors or bad habits can increase the risk of sleep apnea, so it is recommended to eat a balanced diet, practice some physical exercise and avoid alcohol. It is also very important to achieve a regular sleep cycle that is achieved with good sleep hygiene. And, in any case, you have to avoid sleeping on your back.
- For sleep apnea, anti-snoring treatments are not effective, since the origin of these snoring is located in a different place. While common snoring originates from the nostrils, sleep apnea snoring arises from the pharynx. So it is necessary to consult a professional.
