Is sleep apnea and snoring the same? Dangerous risks of hindered sleep

The first impression that comes to mind when you overhear someone snoring, or whenever you observe a character snoring in a movie, is the notion that this person is sleeping soundly and deeply. Despite the myth numerous individuals believe, snoring does not constitute a sign of sound sleep. A common problem, snoring may have several negative effects on a person's wellness.
According to ResMed’s Sleep Survey 2023, 58% of Indians consider snoring a sign of good sleep highlighting that they are unaware of the fact that snoring is a potential trigger of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and other sleep-related issues. Snoring should not be disregarded if persistent and it occurs when the muscles in the neck relax and the throat may partially close and narrow, resulting in a vibration sound.
Dr. Sibasish Dey, Head of Medical Affairs, South Asia, ResMed says, “As people age, the tone of the muscles reduces, resulting in airways collapsing, which makes snoring more common. Sleep disruptions may occur due to snoring. Snoring that is loud and persistent (chronic) may be a symptom of the sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea.”
Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous sleep-breathing disorder in which breathing periodically stops and resumes. The more widespread type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens as the muscles in the throat collapse and obstructs the passage of oxygen into the respiratory system. OSA is frequently distinguished by loud snoring that is followed by silence while breathing stops or almost ceases.

Sleep is the immune system's way of replenishing and strengthening many of its processes. It is necessary to produce more cytokines to combat infection. This indicates that sleep-deprived people are more likely to have weakened immune systems. They are more susceptible to illness, recover from illness more slowly, and are at a higher risk of chronic illness.

Lack of sleep increases the risk of major cardiovascular conditions like heart failure, arrhythmia, and stroke. People who snore or have sleep apnea have the risk of developing arrhythmia, or an abnormal heartbeat. People with sleep apnea are more likely to experience instances of atrial fibrillation than those without it or those whose apnea is being treated with CPAP. It is also theorized that sleep disruption as a result of sleep apnea increases oxidative stress which in the long run leads to cardiac complications.

According to Dr. Dey, “Quality of sleep is essential for hormone production. Hormone production may be impacted by frequent night-time awakenings. People who lack sleep may be more susceptible to hormone-related problems because sleep improves the body's capacity to effectively produce and regulate levels of several hormones.”

Mental health may be impacted by sleep apnea, which can result in everything from significant melancholy to irritability due to insufficient sleep. Lack of sleep has a detrimental impact on both your emotional and mental health. The likelihood of mood swings or increased impatience is increasing, and it may impair judgement and creativity.

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“Daytime sleepiness can be disruptive and endanger oneself and those surrounding us. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) has been associated with a decreased standard of life, a higher risk of accidents, and poor productivity at work. An increased risk of acquiring diabetes, obesity, and other chronic illnesses has been associated with long-term sleep deprivation,” says Dr. Dey.
Injuries, decreased productivity, mental and physical health issues, and an even higher risk of death all result from sleep deprivation. Understanding what causes one to sleep and how it affects health is helpful to grasp sleep deficiency is essential. There is a lack of awareness regarding the significance of sleep and how it impacts overall wellness is an emerging issue in the entire country that must be remedied.