Publication Update
Originally published January 17, 2016 | Last Updated: October 2026
Snoring and sleep apnea are 2 separate forms of sleeping disorders with serious medical, professional as well as social implications.
What is Snoring
We have all heard someone close to us snore at some point in our life. It could range from a gentle quiet sound to a loud jarring noise. Snoring is mainly caused by some form of obstruction in the path of the airway. This obstruction increases the resistance to the breathing cycle. When we snore, out heart and cardiovascular system have to work harder simply for us to breathe compared to someone who doesn’t snore. This increase in workload throughout the night often leads to higher blood pressure than usual. The more quiet the “snoring” is, the more benign it is considered. Someone who snores loudly is at a higher risk of developing symptoms such as increased bleed pressure. Also as the snoring gets more severe, the patient can begin to develop obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea – Obstructive vs Central
There are two types of sleep apneas. In both types, the patient stops breathing for periods of time that can last up to several seconds or even more. One type of sleep apnea is called “Central” sleep apnea. This makes up about 20% of the cases. In this type, the reason the patient stops breathing is because there is a lack of input from the central nervous system that makes breathing while sleeping possible. The other type is called “Obstructive” sleep apnea which make up almost 80% of all cases. In these patients, there is an obstruction in the airway causing the sleep apnea to develop. This obstruction at times can be due to the misalignment of the jaws which can also lead to TMJ issues such as pain, headaches, difficulty in eating and other symtpoms.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring – Similarities and Differences
People with obstructive sleep apnea typically snore. Therefore, they have similar symptoms as a snorer such as increase blood pressure. That’s where the similarities end. When patients stop breathing in their sleep, the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood starts to drop and the amount of carbon dioxide increases. At some point, due to this change in the blood chemistry, the body’s alert mechanism kicks in. The patient is awakened just enough to gasp for air and falls immediately back into the same labored breathing cycle. This process is repeated throughout the night, preventing restful sleep for the patient. If you experience these types of disruptions in your sleep, read about our specialized sleep apnea treatment in San Marcos to see how custom dental devices can keep your airway open.
Sleep Apnea in Adults
Patients who suffer from sleep apnea feel sluggish and tired throughout the day. This leads to lowered productivity at work. Falling asleep on the job and not being able to complete tasks on a timely basis are a common sign. The brain fog is due to lack of quaity sleep which affects how our brain functions. Many of the modern day commuting disasters are related to patients with untreated sleep apnea falling asleep behind the wheel.
Sleep Apnea in Children with ADD/ADHD
Children and young teens suffering from sleep apnea face a whole set of different problems. For a student this means falling behind at school and performing at substandard levels. Other responses seen in young children is inability to pay attention or sit still during class. These children are often mis-diagnosed with ADD or ADHD and are then placed on strong medications. Socialization skills begin to suffer. These children often develop anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
Treating Sleep Apnea and Snoring
The detrimental risks associated with snoring and sleep apnea are obvious. Unsure if your snoring is benign or a sign of obstructive sleep apnea? Download our free Sleep Assessment Checklist or schedule a sleep apnea screening with our San Marcos dental team today.
