Snoring vs sleep apnea: 'If you have a good night's sleep, you'll have a great day' – ENT surgeon

Pippa Hudson interviews Dr Azgher Karjieker, Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon with a passionate interest in snoring and sinus disorders.

Listen below.

Sharing a bed with a snorer can be a nightmare, especially for light sleepers.

This situation can lead to exhaustion for the person enduring the snoring but also for the snorer themselves.

Karjieker notes that when allergies are involved, the problem often worsens, particularly for those living in Cape Town, where high pollen levels and fynbos contribute to increased nasal congestion.

Symptoms that may indicate underlying breathing issues include:

• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Needing to sip water during the night
• Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose

RELATED: Why you should treat your snoring - for the good of your partner's health

According to Karjieker, these symptoms are not normal and can lead to fatigue, daytime drowsiness, and disrupted sleep.

Ideally, he says that we should be breathing through our noses.

"We're all busy... Whether you're a student or whether you're a child or whether you're an adult at work, if you have a good night's sleep, you'll have a great day."

- Dr Azgher Karjieker

Karjieker explains that consistently breathing through your mouth can lead to various complications, including jaw clenching, teeth grinding, unexplained earaches, and even sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.

When you fall asleep, the muscles at the back of your throat relax, which can narrow or completely close your airways.

This lack of airflow triggers your brain to alert you, often resulting in gasping or choking as you struggle to breathe. 

"The worst time is 3 am when you're in your deepest sleep and then your body 'skriks' you awake. That 'skrik' is an adrenaline rush."

- Dr Azgher Karjieker

Treatment exists for snorers but must be managed by a specialist.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.