Approximately 39 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, but up to 90% of cases aren’t diagnosed. The sleep-related breathing disorder can affect your physical and mental health negatively with no treatment. It can even increase your risk of life-threatening complications. Thankfully, sleep apnea is easy to treat with an oral appliance or a CPAP machine. However, there are a few mistakes you might make that can worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. Here are 7 things you should avoid to breathe better.
1. Weight Gain or Obesity
Weight gain can contribute to sleep apnea because of fat deposits around the neck and chest. 70% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea are obese. Losing weight can reduce sleep apnea symptoms while also improving conditions that coincide with obesity, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
2. Certain Medications
Sleep apnea can be a complication of certain medications, especially those that cause muscle relaxation, including:
- Sleep Aids
- Pain Killers
- Benzodiazepines
- Muscle Relaxants
Do not stop taking any medications without first consulting with your physician.
3. Sleep Position
Sleeping on your back is known to increase the occurrence of breathing disruptions among sleep apnea patients. Ideally, it is best to sleep on your side. You can place a pillow behind your back to help prevent you from rolling over.
4. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol too close to bedtime can increase sleep apnea episodes. It causes your muscles to relax, which can cause narrowing of your upper airway.
5. Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Sleep apnea is often associated with other underlying health conditions, including:
- High Blood Pressure
- Type II Diabetes
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Obesity
Managing your health conditions and complying with your sleep apnea treatment plan can improve your sleep quality and overall wellness.
6. Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of breathing issues, including COPD. It is best to kick the habit as soon as possible to improve your health and reduce your risk of sleep apnea.
7. Irregular Treatment Compliance
Not complying with your sleep apnea treatment plan can cause worsening symptoms. It’s important to use your CPAP machine every night as instructed by your sleep specialist.
If you find a CPAP bothersome, you may be a candidate for an oral appliance. The custom-fit device positions your jaw and tongue to prevent obstructions in your upper airway. With the right treatment and a few changes to your lifestyle, you can improve your sleep apnea symptoms to get a good night’s rest.
About Dr. Sara SabaDr. Saba combines the art and science of dentistry to improve her patients’ quality of lives. She achieved her dental degree at the University of Maryland at College Park and has completed advanced training in various specialties, including sleep apnea therapy. Dr. Saba has the solutions you need to treat snoring and sleep apnea with oral appliances. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (301) 460-3331.Approximately 39 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, but up to 90% of cases aren’t diagnosed. The sleep-related breathing disorder can affect your physical and mental health negatively with no treatment. It can even increase your risk of life-threatening complications. Thankfully, sleep apnea is easy to treat with an oral appliance or a CPAP machine. However, there are a few mistakes you might make that can worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. Here are 7 things you should avoid to breathe better.
1. Weight Gain or Obesity
Weight gain can contribute to sleep apnea because of fat deposits around the neck and chest. 70% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea are obese. Losing weight can reduce sleep apnea symptoms while also improving conditions that coincide with obesity, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
2. Certain Medications
Sleep apnea can be a complication of certain medications, especially those that cause muscle relaxation, including:
- Sleep Aids
- Pain Killers
- Benzodiazepines
- Muscle Relaxants
Do not stop taking any medications without first consulting with your physician.
3. Sleep Position
Sleeping on your back is known to increase the occurrence of breathing disruptions among sleep apnea patients. Ideally, it is best to sleep on your side. You can place a pillow behind your back to help prevent you from rolling over.
4. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol too close to bedtime can increase sleep apnea episodes. It causes your muscles to relax, which can cause narrowing of your upper airway.
5. Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Sleep apnea is often associated with other underlying health conditions, including:
- High Blood Pressure
- Type II Diabetes
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Obesity
Managing your health conditions and complying with your sleep apnea treatment plan can improve your sleep quality and overall wellness.
6. Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of breathing issues, including COPD. It is best to kick the habit as soon as possible to improve your health and reduce your risk of sleep apnea.
7. Irregular Treatment Compliance
Not complying with your sleep apnea treatment plan can cause worsening symptoms. It’s important to use your CPAP machine every night as instructed by your sleep specialist.
If you find a CPAP bothersome, you may be a candidate for an oral appliance. The custom-fit device positions your jaw and tongue to prevent obstructions in your upper airway. With the right treatment and a few changes to your lifestyle, you can improve your sleep apnea symptoms to get a good night’s rest.
About Dr. Sara Saba
Dr. Saba combines the art and science of dentistry to improve her patients’ quality of lives. She achieved her dental degree at the University of Maryland at College Park and has completed advanced training in various specialties, including sleep apnea therapy. Dr. Saba has the solutions you need to treat snoring and sleep apnea with oral appliances. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (301) 460-3331.