To end a long day, you might like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage. It can help you wind down and get relaxed before bedtime. However, this habit may not be the best for your rest if you have sleep apnea. In fact, these kinds of drinks may even worsen your symptoms if you aren’t careful! Here’s what you should know and what you can do to get the undisturbed nights you deserve.
Remind Me, What is Sleep Apnea?
As a quick refresher on sleep apnea, it’s when you stop breathing for multiple episodes while you snooze. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form, and this is when the tissues in your throat collapse and block your airways. Your body will then wake up to resume normal breathing. These interruptions can happen in as little as five to 30 or more times in an hour.
What’s the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Alcohol?
You might already know that alcohol is considered to be a muscle relaxant. This is why it helps you feel loose and wind down more easily, but this can be trouble for your throat muscles. Drinking it in the evening or right before bed can lead to an increased risk of obstruction, or they might be longer since you may have trouble waking up.
Consuming these beverages can also cause changes in your nose’s blood vessels. This can lead to congestion and make it harder for you to breathe. You might have trouble going to bed, but it can also intensify the disruptions OSA causes.
How Can I Manage My Sleep Apnea?
If you have sleep apnea, then you might wonder if you need to quit drinking alcohol to get the quality rest you deserve. While it’s often best to avoid it, you can simply stop partaking in it four hours before bed and keep it in moderation. This will help reduce its effects, but don’t forget to treat the underlying disorder as well!
CPAP machines are typically the go-to method to treat this condition, as they’re designed to keep your airways open. That said, some patients often want a quieter, more comfortable choice. Cue your dentist, since they can help with a customized oral appliance. This device slightly repositions your jaw forward, keeping your airways open. That way, you can properly enjoy your slumber.
In the end, it’s crucial that you get professional treatment for your sleep apnea. Your dentist is here to help with effective solutions and can offer you more personalized advice. That way, you can get toward undisturbed nights and better rest.
About the Practice
At Sleep Better Baytown, our team is dedicated to helping patients in the local community get the restful, restorative rest they deserve. Led by Dr. Dean Hutto, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea using comfortable, effective oral appliance therapy. If alcohol use or other lifestyle factors are affecting your sleep quality, we’re here to help you find real solutions. Have any questions? Schedule an appointment or call our office at (281) 422-8249.