Obstructive sleep apnea is an common health condition that can cause a person to wake up a hundred or more times in a single night by interrupting proper airflow. This can drastically reduce the quality of their rest and make it more difficult to stay cheerful and alert during the coming day. Sadly, there are a few common habits that can worsen symptoms and make it even more difficult to sleep adequately. Here’s a quick guide to a few habits you should consider quitting if you’d like to reduce your sleep apnea symptoms.
Drinking Alcohol
Many people enjoy having a stiff drink after a hard day’s work, but alcohol can often worsen the symptoms of sleep apnea since it works as a muscle relaxant. When a person with sleep apnea is resting, the mass of the muscles and other tissues in their neck weighs heavily on their windpipe, thereby restricting the person’s oxygen supply and causing them to wake up suddenly for lack of breath. Drinking alcohol in the hours before going to sleep can cause these muscles to exert even more pressure and worsen your symptoms.
Sleeping Flat
Many people find that sleeping with their backs and legs flat against a level surface is comfortable, but this position may actually worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. For many sleep apnea patients, sleeping flat allows the muscles and other tissues in the neck to exert more pressure upon the windpipe, which can cause them to wake up many times throughout the night.
You may be able to find some relief by propping your head up with pillows or cushions so gravity can reduce the pressure the tissues in your neck exert on your airway. This can significantly reduce the number of times you wake up in a night so you can enjoy a more pleasant and productive day.
Not Exercising
It’s far too easy for people today to not get enough physical exertion, and obesity and lack of exercise are a few of the most significant risk factors for sleep apnea. Exercising regularly teaches the cardiovascular system to operate more efficiently, which may help it work properly during sleep despite the effects of sleep apnea, and maintaining a healthy weight will leave less mass in the neck that can press down on the airway at night. A good workout during the day also leaves you more tired at night, which sets you up for excellent shuteye.
While adopting a few good habits may help you control your symptoms, seeing your dentist for sleep apnea treatment is the best way to get lasting relief. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to get great sleep.
About the Practice
Glastonbury Dental Associates provides its patients with the finest oral health services available. Led by Drs. Marc H. Scoles, Jonathan C. Susat, Matthew P. Scoles, Elyse Sudhoff, and Mark Desrosiers, the staff ensures that each patient receives effective care with genuine compassion and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as sleep apnea treatments. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact the office online or dial (860) 633-3671.