The danger of sleep apnea and snoring

Sleep apnea and snoring - taking a closer look

Of all the snoring-related physical ailments noted,  arguably the most severe is a condition called Sleep Apnea.

These two words should be emblazoned in the minds of every person who snores, and anyone who lives with or cares about the safety and well-being of a snoring person.

The word apnea in the term Sleep Apnea derives from the Greek term for absence of breathing. That, in a nutshell, gives a sense of how dangerous Sleep Apnea can be - it literally refers to a condition where breathing stops during sleep.

Sleep apnea and the snoring link.

Sleep Apnea and snoring are directly linked because during snoring the airway of the trachea is constantly subjected to repetitive collapse and obstruction.

It is that collapse and obstruction that leads to the vibration that, ultimately, manifests itself as audible snoring. Sleep Apnea occurs when, due to that continuous collapse of the airway, breathing actually stops.

Sleep apnea consequences

While death is obviously possible due to this obstruction of the airway (and subsequent lack of breathing), there are many very serious effects that, while not fatal, are most certainly severe.

Even when it is not fatal, Sleep Apnea deprives the body of essential oxygen; and hence, overall blood oxygen levels are reduced and concurrently, carbon dioxide levels rise.

This can lead to toxic build-up that can cause heart disease, stroke, and brain damage all resulting from sleep apnea, which can have a direct link to snoring.