When experiencing Sleep Apnea first hand, it is understandably easy to confuse it with snoring. Of course the condition can lead to serious health conditions, if it is left unnoticed.


Sleep Apnea can be caused by many factors, as is snoring however one is harmless, and the other is potentially dangerous. There is treatment however with the use of a CPAP machine.


Our sleeping patterns constantly get abused, a good nights rest will benefit our well-being, mind and body. It is predicted that over 17 million in the US have the condition, most of them unaware. Therefore below is the symptoms and signs of what to look out for.


Good And Bad Snoring When someone snores, the person snoring is normally completely unaware they are doing it. Light snorers are harmless and normally sleep a full nights sleep. However loud snorers usually suffer from Sleep Apnea. As their airway gets blocked, they can stop breathing for seconds and even minutes at a time, the end of a breathing pause, is followed by a loud grunt this is why Sleep Apnea sufferers often get confused with snorers.


The morning after the night before When a sleeper snores not only are they unaware they can also have a full nights sleep without waking. This might not be the case for their partner however. A person with Sleep Apnea suffers with pauses in breathing leaving them gasping for breath. A person with Sleep Apnea has a very uncomfortable nights sleep making them feel extremely drowsy the next day.


What Causes Sleep Apnea and Snoring There are many reasons for why someone suffers from snoring: from lying on your back all the way to obesity. Alcohol and smoking have also been proved to worsen the condition. These are the same causes for Sleep Apnea. However you are more at risk from Sleep Apnea if: you are male, overweight, over 40 years old and you have a large neck. It has also been proven to be hereditary.


The Warning Signs The best way to know that you have Sleep Apnea is by your spouse noticing you have stopped breathing or by undertaking a sleep study. However there is a list of symptoms you can have and notice yourself which could be a sign that you have Sleep Apnea, these include: Poor Quality of sleep, waking yourself by snoring especially if you have just fell asleep, headaches, depression and fatigue. It is always best to see a doctor about your worries.


The Treatment When you suffer from snoring you will probably be advised to use gum guards, nasal strips and sometimes medication. It is more crucial however, to treat Sleep Apnea. CPAP machines are structured to help with the condition providing a strong current into the airway via a CPAP mask, whilst they sleep to keep the airway open. Preventing pauses in breath occurring.


The population of snorers is very high, however they could actually have Sleep Apnea. The condition will become dangerous if left untreated, always visit your doctor if you have concerns.