Evaluation of Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Snoring and sleep apnea can affect more than just your rest—they can impact your health, focus, and quality of life. At Atlantic ENT, we provide comprehensive evaluations to help uncover the root cause of your symptoms and restore peaceful, healthy sleep.

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Evaluation of Snoring & Sleep Apnea in Central Florida

Snoring may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can be a warning sign of an underlying sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). At Atlantic Ear, Nose & Throat, our specialists provide complete evaluations to identify and treat the causes of snoring and interrupted breathing during sleep. Using advanced diagnostic tools and years of clinical expertise, we help patients achieve better rest and long-term wellness.

Understanding Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring occurs when airflow through the nose or throat becomes partially obstructed, causing vibrations in the soft tissues of the airway. While occasional snoring may be harmless, chronic snoring is often linked to sleep apnea, a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Sleep apnea can strain the cardiovascular system, reduce oxygen levels, and lead to daytime fatigue, memory issues, and an increased risk of heart disease or stroke. Identifying the cause early through a professional evaluation is essential for effective treatment and prevention of long-term complications.

How Snoring and Sleep Apnea Are Evaluated

Your evaluation begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. During this appointment, your ENT provider will ask about your sleep patterns, daytime energy, snoring frequency, and any episodes of gasping or choking during the night.

The physical exam often includes:

Nasal and oral evaluation: Checking for blockages or structural issues such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils.
Throat assessment: Examining the soft palate, uvula, and tongue for tissue that could restrict airflow.
Neck measurement: Assessing anatomy that may contribute to airway obstruction.

Based on your symptoms, our team may recommend additional testing to accurately diagnose your condition and determine its severity.

Sleep Apnea Testing Options

Accurate testing is key to developing a personalized treatment plan. Atlantic ENT offers multiple testing options, including:

Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT): A comfortable at-home device that records breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and snoring intensity while you sleep.
In-Lab Polysomnography: A comprehensive overnight sleep study that measures brain activity, heart rate, breathing effort, oxygen levels, and muscle movement.
Oximetry: A quick screening tool that measures oxygen saturation levels during sleep, often used to confirm the presence of sleep apnea.

Once your results are reviewed, our specialists discuss treatment options such as lifestyle adjustments, oral appliances, CPAP therapy, or surgical procedures to help you breathe and sleep better.

Common Causes of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Several physical and lifestyle factors can contribute to snoring and sleep apnea, including:

Anatomy: A low soft palate, enlarged tonsils, or thick neck tissue can narrow the airway.
Nasal obstruction: A deviated septum or chronic sinus congestion may restrict airflow.
Obesity: Extra tissue around the neck and throat can compress the airway during sleep.
Alcohol and sedatives: These relax throat muscles, increasing the likelihood of airway collapse.
Sleep position: Sleeping on the back can cause the tongue to fall backward, blocking airflow.
Aging: Natural muscle tone decreases with age, making the airway more prone to collapse.

Understanding these causes helps us develop targeted treatment plans that address both anatomy and behavior.

Symptoms to Watch For

Snoring may be the most obvious sign of a sleep disorder, but other symptoms can signal the presence of sleep apnea, including:

Gasping or choking during sleep
Frequent nighttime awakenings
Morning headaches or dry mouth
Daytime sleepiness or poor concentration
Mood changes or irritability
High blood pressure or weight gain

If you or your bed partner notice these symptoms, scheduling an evaluation is the first step toward better sleep and improved health.

When to Seek Medical Help

Even if snoring doesn’t seem severe, persistent snoring or associated symptoms like fatigue and morning headaches should never be ignored. Sleep apnea can place stress on the heart and brain, so early evaluation and management are essential.

At Atlantic ENT, our team of board-certified ENT specialists can diagnose the root cause and design a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and health needs.

What to Expect During Your Visit

During your evaluation, you’ll meet with one of our physicians, who will take time to review your symptoms and explain each step of the process. If a sleep study is recommended, our staff will guide you through setup, ensure your comfort, and review your results with you promptly.

We also coordinate ongoing care, including referrals for oral appliances or CPAP adjustments when needed, ensuring a seamless experience from diagnosis through long-term management.

Why Choose Atlantic ENT for Snoring & Sleep Apnea Evaluation?

At Atlantic Ear, Nose & Throat, our board-certified physicians provide expert, compassionate care for patients struggling with sleep-related breathing disorders. With offices in Lake Mary, Orange City, and DeLand, we combine cutting-edge diagnostic technology with a patient-first approach to deliver accurate evaluations and lasting solutions. Our goal is simple—to help you sleep soundly, breathe freely, and wake feeling restored.