Snoring and sleep apnea are both sleep-related breathing disorders that can disrupt a person’s sleep and have negative health consequences. They have different causes, but there can be some overlap in contributing factors.
What does apnoea/apnea mean?
The spelling of the word apnea differs between the UK and the US. In Australia, both spellings are used and both are correct. The word apnoea stems from the Greek words a = no and pnea = breathing.
Causes of Snoring
Snoring is the sound produced when airflow is partially obstructed during sleep. It is often caused by the vibration of the soft tissues in the throat, including the uvula and the soft palate. Some common causes of snoring include:
- Sleeping Position: Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft palate to collapse to the back of your throat, partially blocking the airway.
- Obesity: Excess weight, especially around the neck, can put pressure on the airway, leading to snoring.
- Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances relax the muscles in the throat, increasing the likelihood of snoring.
- Nasal Congestion: Blocked nasal passages due to allergies, colds, or anatomical issues can contribute to snoring.
Causes of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a more serious condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. There are two main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing a complete or partial blockage of the airway. Factors contributing to OSA include obesity, a large neck circumference, and genetics.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA is less common and occurs when the brain fails to transmit the proper signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing. It is often associated with certain medical conditions like heart failure and stroke.
In both snoring and sleep apnea, lifestyle factors can play a significant role in their development and severity. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and changing sleep positions, can help reduce the severity of these conditions.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may have sleep apnea, it is essential to seek medical evaluation and treatment, as untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including cardiovascular issues and reduced sleep quality.
Aromatherapy Clinic’s aromatherapist, John, has always been a very loud snorer. He has developed the Anti Snoring Blend to help reduce or, in some cases, eliminate snoring and sleep apnea. The Anti Snoring Blend is a mixture of only the highest quality essential oils and works for about 90-95% of all snorers who have tried it. One bottle of this powerful blend lasts for up to 3 months because you only need to use a few drops every night. We offer a 100% money back guarantee so you can try the Anti Snoring Blend risk-free. If it doesn’t work for you within 30 days, send it back to us and we will even pay the return postage cost.
Photo by David Clode
