Not everyone who snores has sleep apnoea, though the two conditions are often connected. At Pure Dental Toowoomba, Dr Nicola regularly helps patients understand the difference between simple snoring and sleep apnoea and their treatment options.
Understanding Sleep Apnoea
While snoring is common and affects many Australians, sleep apnoea is a more serious condition where breathing actually stops temporarily during sleep. Think of it this way—snoring is like a noisy tap that's still running, while sleep apnoea is like a tap that keeps turning off and on throughout the night.
You might be surprised to learn that plenty of people snore without having sleep apnoea. Simple snoring can be caused by various factors, including nasal congestion, being overweight, drinking alcohol before bed or simply the natural relaxation of throat muscles during sleep.
However, if your snoring is accompanied by symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, or if your partner notices that you stop breathing during sleep, these could be signs of sleep apnoea that warrant further investigation.
Sleep Apnoea Treatment in Toowoomba
The good news is that Dr Nicola can help assess your situation and, if necessary, provide solutions such as custom-made oral appliances to help manage snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnoea. If you're concerned about your snoring or sleep quality, we encourage you to book an appointment to thoroughly assess your situation.