Have you heard the phrase “all Mercedes are cars, but not all cars are Mercedes?”
It’s a line of thought we can extend to snoring – although many (we won’t say “all”) individuals with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) snore, not all snorers have OSA.
For some, snoring is more of an annoyance (especially if there’s a person beside you in bed), than a serious sleep disorder.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea:
There are three forms of sleep apnoea: central, complex and the most common, obstructive (OSA).
OSA occurs when air can’t flow in or out of the nose/mouth despite your body’s best efforts when you rest.
When can snoring cross the line into OSA Territory?
- When snoring becomes louder and/or more frequent
- Pauses in breathing, choking/waking up during sleep
- Feeling tired even after waking up/daytime fatigue and irritation
Unfortunately, most of these are hard to notice as a snorer.
You usually either need your partner to tell you, or a diagnosis from your doctor or a sleep specialist. The below may help you identify your potential risk.
Do you meet any of the below?
Snoring is more likely to occur:
- From middle-age onwards
- In men or post-menopausal women
- In individuals who are overweight or obese and have wider necks
- In those who drink alcohol frequently or have diabetes
- In some cases, OSA is hereditary or can be exacerbated from certain medications
Beginning the journey to Better Sleep
Whether you have OSA and need treatment depends on the severity of your own diagnosis, and how much your sleep and health are impacted.
OSA generally deteriorates your health over time, which is why it’s a great idea to be proactive in checking your risk and seeking help. For example, this sleep disorder can increase your chance of contracting other serious health conditions and having a heart attack.
Now on to the main event: we just can’t stress enough the importance of sleep! There’s a reason why we spend approximately one third of our lives doing it (and it’s not just because it’s a nice, quiet, part of the evening)!
Sleep is an essential function, your body relies on it for major cellular repair and regeneration (among other things).
Are you ready to take action?
We’re called Rockingham CPAP because CPAP is widely considered to be the “gold standard” by experts in the field when it comes to OSA therapy.
That being said, we have several treatment options available, all tailored to your exact circumstances and needs.
You can shop online or in our physical showroom, where the knowledgeable and experienced sleep team can help you find the perfect option to improve your breathing and sleep.
Remember; there are lots of life changing benefits (and good news – almost no downsides) to seeking help for snoring and sleep apnoea.
If you aren’t diagnosed, but think you or a loved one may have a sleep disorder that goes beyond regular snoring, we suggest beginning with an easy Sleep Study (learn more here).
Whatever the case, let’s bring back better sleep and improve your airflow so you can sleep (and breathe) safely and soundly.
We’d love to answer any questions you may have. Phone us on 08 6186 6636 to chat through your needs.
Until next time, take care,
Brett Lukatelich
Rockingham CPAP
