Sleep apnea is an intermittent interruption in breathing that causes you to stop and start again throughout your sleep. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages and races. It can be dangerous if left untreated, especially when it causes high blood pressure and heart attack.More info:hillsborodentalexcellence.com

The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When you sleep, your throat can become narrowed by the collapse of tissue in the back of the throat as air tries to get through. This causes vibrations, which create the noise known as snoring. The narrowing can also happen when you breathe out, and when this happens it can cause a pause in breathing (apnea).

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Health: The Connection to Snoring

Many different factors can lead to sleep apnea. Your weight, smoking habits, and the size of your nose and throat can all contribute to the problem. Blocked nasal airways, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, can also lead to snoring and sleep apnea.

Although snoring is a common indicator of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has OSA. It is important to talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your sleep, whether it be because of loud snoring or because you seem tired during the day.