Does snoring equal apnea? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

Amy42601 · 07-06-2002, 04:06 PM

Hi all!

My hubby is a HORRIFIC snorer. I mean, I can hear him 4 rooms away with all the doors closed, he's that loud! If I don't get to sleep before he does, I have to sleep in a different room, and it's worse if he's had a few pints!

Anyway, my question is this...when he snores, he stops breathing sometimes, kinda like he forgets to. After about 30 seconds, sometimes longer, he'll suddenly breathe and make the piggy sound (the only way I can describe it). He never wakes up during these episodes, just continues sleeping. This is a frequent occurance during the night and I'm scared he may have apnea. I've heard if it goes untreated, he could possibly die in his sleep because he "forgets" to breathe.

Any insight on this is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Amy

PS-he refuses to see a doctor about it too, so that is a bit of a sore point with us.

[This message has been edited by Amy42601 (edited 07-06-2002).]

lekeener · 07-31-2002, 02:28 AM

I work in a sleep lab and if your husband is that loud and doesn't breath for 30 seconds he has Sleep Apnea. The definition of sleep apnea is a 10 second or longer period of not breathing or blockage. This is something he should get checked out as sleep apnea is known to cause heart problem, depression, and pulmonary problems as well as a host of other problems. I have Sleep Apnea and use a CPAP(Continueous Positive Airway Pressure) Machine and feel much better and productive. He really should get this checked out and taken care of. Hope this helps.