Understand the Types of Sleep Apnea & Snoring

If you stopped breathing frequently during the day, you’d be concerned. Yet many of us ignore it – when we’re aware of it – during sleep. Yet sleep apnea can be dangerous. People whose sleep apnea is left untreated often gain weight, putting themselves at greater risk of serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Though not common, you can even die while sleeping!

But how do you know if you have sleep apnea or are just snoring?

There are three types of sleep apnea, and while snoring is often a sign of apnea, it is not definitive. Only about half of people who snore loudly also have sleep apnea. The difference is whether or not you are having an apneic episode while you snore. During these  “apneic episodes,” you actually stop breathing, and your vital organs and brain don’t get enough oxygen. Your home sleep test will indicate whether you have:

• A snoring problem but no apneic episodes
• Mild sleep apnea, if you suffer 5-14 episodes per hour.
• Moderate sleep apnea, if you suffer 14-30 episodes per hour.
• Severe sleep apnea, if you experience 30 or more episodes per hour.

We can help you if you are snoring or have mild to moderate sleep apnea. We will work closely with your primary care physician to help you get the diagnosis and care that you need.

At Better Sleep Carolina, we’ll determine your severity of sleep apnea with a two-part process:

• Take our sleep apnea quiz first to help us identify whether you’re at risk for sleep apnea.
• Then, visit us for a sleep apnea evaluation to find out more.

Call our office now at 984-228-9510 for a complimentary consultation, and we’ll help you get started on your journey to restful sleep.