Sleep Apnea Sleep Disorders

Snoring 

Many people snore.  It can happen when you have a cold or if the air is dry, or even if allergies are bothering you.  Snoring is caused by your throat becoming so relaxed that it becomes narrowed and soft and then your tongue falls backward.  The more your throat narrows the greater you snore.  This is due to the vibrations of air through the passageway.

Sleep Apnea 

As your throat relaxes and narrows it can happen that it actually collapses.  This is a very serious condition we know as sleep apnea.  The most noticeable sign of sleep apnea is very loud and frequent snoring.  If your bed partner is snoring every night at a loud volume, pay attention to their breathing.  If you notice that they stop breathing during their sleep it’s time to seek medical help for this.  

Signs

If you do not have a partner to tell you about your snoring habits you may not be aware if you are struggling with sleep apnea.  Some signs to watch for in yourself include

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Recent weight gain
  • Awakening in the morning not feeling rested
  • Awaking at night feeling confused
  • Change in your level of attention, concentration, or memory

If you suspect that you or a loved one may struggle with sleep apnea call us at (913) 221-6059 today to schedule your sleep study and learn more on our website!