Snoring is not always harmless: When could it signal sleep Apnoea?

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People generally think of snoring as an ordinary feature of sleeping, yet it can be a sign of sleep disorder in some situations. Obstructive sleep apnoea (osa), occurs when the upper airway gets blocked or constricts during sleep, thereby cutting off the flow of air.

The occasional snore isn’t an immediate cause for concern, but persistent, loud snoring can be – particularly if it is a component of other problems.

Things to pay attention to

The following symptoms, although suggested as not from a known cause, as listed by common clinical guidelines, are possible indicators of sleep apnoea:

You breathe in a pattern of repeated pauses, then gasping or choking noises.

Sleepiness during the day: being very sleepy or having difficulty keeping your eyes open even though you are in bed for the right amount of time.

These may include things such as morning headaches (no headache on waking, but then wake up with a headache), or dry mouth.

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Unsatisfactory sleep quality: awakening often during the night or waking up not feeling refreshed in the morning.

You might not have all these symptoms. It’s worth getting checked out by a doctor if they happen quite often.

Why should you take it seriously?

If you have untreated obstructive sleep apnoea your quality of sleep may be affected and there is an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and related heart problems. Daytime sleepiness can affect your concentration and can make driving dangerous.

Your doctor may ask you to undergo a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis and level of severity. The treatment depends on the condition and can range from a lifestyle modification to the use of a cpap machine or other device.

When should you consult a doctor?

Seek medical advice if you’re a persistent heavy snorer, especially if your snoring is accompanied by an observer noting that you stop breathing or you’re tired all day. Snoring is not sleep apnoea, but if the sign does exist, there will be symptoms.

Also read: Rainy Weather Health Tips: How To Keep Cold And Cough At Bay

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