Snoring and sleep apnea are two of the most common sleep related problems, but while they often overlap, they aren’t the same. Both can disrupt your rest, affect your health, and even strain relationships, yet their causes and consequences differ greatly. Knowing the difference is the first step toward better sleep and better overall health.

At her Carrollton office, Dr. Tejal Kakade helps patients in Carrollton, Villa Rica, and surrounding areas understand and treat these conditions. Whether it’s a mild snoring issue or a more serious case of sleep apnea, she provides targeted solutions to help you breathe easier and sleep more soundly.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring happens when air can’t move freely through your nose or throat during sleep, causing surrounding tissues to vibrate. It may be occasional and harmless, or loud, nightly, and disruptive. Common triggers include:

• Nasal congestion or allergies
• Sleeping on your back
• Alcohol use before bedtime
• Excess weight or neck circumference
• Throat muscle relaxation during deep sleep

While snoring alone isn’t always dangerous, it can sometimes signal a more serious condition like sleep apnea, especially if it’s loud and frequent.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last seconds to minutes and occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night. Common symptoms include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Daytime fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating

If untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your nights, it can harm your brain health, too. Because it disrupts deep, restorative sleep stages, it may cause memory problems, reduced focus, and even raise the risk of dementia later in life. Treating sleep apnea can help protect both your physical and cognitive health.

Treatment Options with Dr. Kakade

Dr. Kakade offers non-invasive treatment options for patients with snoring or mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, including:

• Custom oral appliances to reposition the jaw or tongue, keeping the airway open during sleep
• Lifestyle recommendations to reduce snoring triggers and improve breathing
• For more severe cases, she can refer you to a trusted sleep specialist for advanced evaluation and therapies like CPAP or surgical options.

Rest Easier, Live Healthier

Better sleep means better health, energy, and focus during the day. If you or someone you love snores loudly, experiences pauses in breathing during sleep, or struggles with daytime fatigue, it’s time to get checked.

Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kakade and start your journey toward quieter nights and healthier days.