Sleep apnea is a fairly common health issue that can cause a person to suddenly wake up many times in a single night, which can set them up for a host of problems such as fatigue, irritability, and difficulty staying awake while operating machinery. While your dentist is trained and equipped to address sleep apnea with effective and minimally invasive methods, certain habits can make your symptoms worse during treatment. Here’s a guide to how napping may aggravate your sleep apnea symptoms.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea involves the soft tissues in the neck weighing heavily on the windpipe when they relax during sleep, which can interfere with the sleeper’s air supply and cause them to wake up suddenly and short of breath. This can happen a hundred times or more in a single night, and the strain this causes to the nervous and circulatory systems may increase the risk of health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular events such as heart attacks.
Does Napping Make Sleep Apnea Worse?
Staying awake throughout the day makes it easier for you to fall asleep at night, but taking naps during the daylight hours can prime your body to stay awake longer and slumber more lightly. This will make it easier for airflow interruptions to awaken you and more difficult for you to get adequate sleep. It’s important to always wear your oral appliance when sleeping, as neglecting to do so can set you up for sleep disruptions that will worsen your symptoms.
Other habits that can aggravate your sleep apnea symptoms include smoking, drinking before bed, poor diet, and insufficient exercise.
How Can My Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?
While sleep apnea is commonly treated with CPAP machines that use pressurized air to keep the patient’s windpipe open, these devices can be quite uncomfortable to wear and can take a lot of time to get used to. Thankfully, many dentists prefer to treat this condition with oral appliances designed to hold the jaw in a forward position that makes it easier for the patient to breathe normally. These devices are far less invasive and space-consuming than CPAP machines, and many patients report that they are much more comfortable to sleep with.
Sleep apnea can be a frustrating problem that leaves you feeling drained and lethargic, but your dentist can help you address the problem so you can meet your days with joy, energy, and enthusiasm. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to get better sleep.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan H. Cohen earned his dental degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine before completing a General Practice Residency at University Hospital in Syracuse. He is a proud member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His office offers general dentistry, periodontal treatments, and sleep apnea services. If you suspect that you are waking up frequently due to sleep apnea, contact him online or dial (904) 230-2961.