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Snoring or sleep apnea? An important distinction

Last updated:
October 6, 2023

Snoring is an unpleasant nocturnal companion that plagues many people. However, while some consider snoring mere background noise while others are concerned: Is it just snoring or is there more to it than that? How dangerous can it really be?

The Confusion around this topic is widespreadMany people are confused and overwhelmed when it comes to snoring. The differences between simple snoring and the serious sleep apnea are often not known.

In this article, we would like to help you get more clarity on the question: When should I no longer simply dismiss my snoring as annoying? and seriously consider seeking medical help?

Analyze now

Rattling, rattling, sawing - what exactly are these annoying noises?

The typical Snoring noises are caused by the vibration of tissue in the throat. During sleep, the muscles in the throat or palate relax, which can lead to a narrowing of the airways. This constriction in turn causes the passing air causes the fabric to vibrate and thus produces the familiar snoring noises.

Snoring does not necessarily indicate a serious health problem, but rather is quite harmless in some cases. Then one speaks of simple snoring. Many people snore occasionally or in certain sleeping positions without it having any effect on their health or sleep.

Nevertheless, even simple snoring can lead to impairment in some cases if the Sleep becomes restless as a result and the Sleep quality is reduced.

There is sometimes more than just noise behind snoring

For some people, however, snoring is not just an annoying noise, but a Signs of a potentially serious health problem - die obstruktive Sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is characterized by recurring episodes of Breathing interruptions during sleepbecause the upper airways temporarily narrow or close completely. 

Airway OSA blocked

These Breathing pauses can last several seconds or even minutes and affect the oxygen saturation of the blood in the body.

Under the threatening lack of oxygen the body sounds the alarm and triggers a brief wake-up reactionwhich reactivates breathing, but at the same time interrupts restful sleep. The wake-up reactions are usually so short that those affected not notice at all

Many people with sleep apnea snore during the night. The short gasp for air after a pause in breathing is often accompanied by the sound of snoring.

In contrast to simple snoring, sleep apnea is a serious illnesswhich requires urgent medical attention. 

Sleep apnea strains the cardiovascular system and can lead to a variety of problems and health complications.

Those affected not only suffer from chronic Daytime tiredness, reduced performance and Concentration difficulties. People with sleep apnea also have a Increased risk for Accidents, high blood pressure, Heart diseases, Strokes or Diabetes

When is it time to seek medical help?

The loud Snoring is one of the main symptoms of sleep apnea. While simple snoring usually causes a regular noise, the Snoring associated with sleep apneaoften irregular.

However, the absence of loud snoring is no guarantee that there is no sleep apnea. In some cases the bed partner determinesthat during sleep the Breathing stops briefly

There are often still Further symptoms and warning signs which should be considered carefully:

  • Daytime tiredness, exhaustion
  • Dry mouth in the morning, headache in the morning
  • Irritability, mood swings, depression
  • Memory problems, concentration difficulties
  • Night sweats, frequent urination at night
  • Waking up at night with palpitations, shortness of breath or panic
  • Restless sleep
  • Libido and potency disorders
  • High blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances
  • Overweight or diabetes

The problem is that the Symptoms are very diverse and are often not taken seriously enough or associated with sleep apnea.

This has far-reaching consequences, because at about 80% of people with sleep apnea will have this not discovered at all. But only a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent or minimize the serious long-term consequences. 

So should you notice several of these signsthe time has come, Medical assistance to take advantage of this. This will give you certainty about a possible health risk and enable you to receive targeted treatment.

Your health is worth it - opt for clarity

If you are like many other people, you may be reluctant to go to the doctor to have your snoring and the possible risk of sleep apnoea investigated. This is understandable, because the thought of a visit to the doctor and medical examinations Can be intimidating

But before you get discouraged, there is a Practical solution: the Snorefox app. With this innovative application, you can first gain more clarity about your snoring yourself and minimize the potential Assessing the risk of sleep apnea at home.

The Snorefox app analyzes your nocturnal snoring and breathing noises and provides an objective assessment of the risk of sleep apnea. This helps you to gain more clarity about whether you should seek medical help. 

The Snorefox app does not replace a visit to the doctor, but serves as a supportive tool that helps you to helps to make an informed decision. If the app indicates a risk of sleep apnea, you should make an appointment with a sleep doctor to have a sleep test. Comprehensive diagnosis and appropriate treatment to receive.

Don't let uncertainties get in the way, Prioritize your sleep and health. The Snorefox app is a convenient way to make an initial assessment and identify potential risks. Take your health into your own handsby seeking clarification and, if necessary, medical advice.

Conclusion

Snoring can be disturbing and annoying, and in some cases behind it lurks a health hazard. It is important to distinguish between simple snoring and serious sleep apnea.

The various symptoms often do it difficult to recognize sleep apnea. It is therefore advisable to seek medical help if you notice several signs of sleep apnea.

You can also find out whether there is a risk of sleep apnea by first test at home with the Snorefox app. Your night's sleep and health are worth striving for clarity.

For sleep apnea screening
From analysis to doctor search, all in one app.
For sleep apnea screening
From analysis to doctor search, all in one app.
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