Snoring isn’t Always Sleep Apnea

Experts say while many people think snoring is related to sleep apnea, actually up to one-half of all adults snore but only 2 to 4 percent of snorers have the sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).  In fact there are several reasons why your spouse is keeping you up half the night with his/her snoring.  And yes, even though many people think women do not snore, the truth is that although more men snore, one in four women snore at least a few times a week.  Pregnancy and menopause can make it worse. 

The Mayo Clinic explains that snoring is cause by a number of things including growing older.  When a person snores, their throat muscles and tongue relax and start to vibrate as they breathe.  Sleeping on your back (side sleepers are less likely to snore), being overweight, or consuming too much alcohol before bed makes a person more likely to snore. Having a mouth with a low, thick soft palate, and an array of nasal problems like chronic congestion and a deviated nasal septum also causes snoring.  The use of sleeping pills worsens snoring as the mouth relaxes even more. 

The Mayo Clinic cautions that OSA is a serious condition and if you have any of the following symptoms you should see your healthcare provider for an evaluation.  These include breathing pauses during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, restless sleep, gasping or choking at night among others.  Also it could be a sign of OSA if your snoring is excessively loud followed by periods of silence as breathing stops or nearly stops.   

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community offers carefree retirement years with 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites in various configurations including spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans.  For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia-related diseases, we provide 29 secure memory care staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease.  Please visit our website for availability and pricing, and read our protocols for dealing with COVID-19 and how we are safely accepting new residents into our beautiful community.   

MorningStar of Arvada offers the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting.  Visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed independent living and assisted living as well as memory care in Arvada, CO.