Most people do not know the difference between the kinds of sleep apnea. They just hear the snoring and hopefully sleep apnea. However, there is a major difference between the kinds of sleep apnea and that determines the proper treatment.
If you snore, you are probably motivated to have your sleep apnea treated. Or maybe your partner or roommate helps motivate you! Without the obvious symptom of snoring, many people would just live with the restless sleep and the effect that has on them throughout the day caused by their sleep apnea, not realizing how unrested they really are. Once you start to learn about the effects sleep apnea has on your health, that can create some greater motivation as well.
But, for treatment to be effective, it‘s important to understand the difference between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is characterized by a blockage of the airway, usually some soft tissue at the back of the throat. Central Sleep Apnea is characterized as the brain failing to send a signal to the muscles to continue breathing. Clearly, these are two different issues and its important to know which condition is causing the interrupted sleep. And, in some cases, patients may have both Obstructive and Central sleep apneas.
So, if you snore or you know someone who snores, you have enough reason to get diagnosed. If you need help getting started, just ask me.
