Sleep Apnea is caused by many factors, the same as snoring although one is harmless, and the other is potentially life-threatening. It can be eased however with the use of a CPAP machine,


Although many of us take our sleeping patterns for granted, a good nights rest can affect our health, well-being and mind. It is predicted that over 17 million in the US have the condition, most of them unaware. Therefore more awareness needs to made of what symptoms to look out for.


Good And Bad Snoring When a person snores, the person snoring is totally unaware that they are doing it. Light snorers are harmless and can sleep a full nights sleep. An unusually loud snorer is normally a sufferer of 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 A snorer is not just unaware they can have a full nights sleep without waking one. This may not be the case for their partner however. A person with Sleep Apnea will suffer with pauses in breath resulting in them waking up gasping for air. Someone with Sleep Apnea has a very poor nights sleep resulting in them feeling drowsy the next day.


What Causes Sleep Apnea and Snoring There are many reasons behind why someone might snore: from being overweight to just lying on your back. Alcohol and smoking have also been linked to the condition. The causes of Sleep Apnea are very similar. However you are more at risk from Sleep Apnea if: you are male, overweight, over 40 years old and you have a large neck. The condition has also proven to be hereditary.


The Warning Signs The best way to know you have Sleep Apnea is by your partner either noticing a pause in breathing or by completing a sleep study. Though there is a whole array 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. Instead of worrying about the condition it is best to seek advice from a doctor.


The Treatment Snorers have been advised to use gum guards, nasal strips and sometimes medication. Sleep Apnea however is more important to treat. CPAP machines were invented providing a strong current into the airway via a CPAP mask, keeping them open. Preventing pauses in breath occurring.


The amount of people who snore is very high, however they could actually have Sleep Apnea. The condition can damage your health if left unnoticed, always visit your doctor if you have concerns.