If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), getting a good night’s rest can be difficult. Daytime fatigue isn’t the only concern. You can be at risk of various physical and psychological health issues, like heart disease, depression, and memory loss. Many factors can make your symptoms worse. You don’t have to spend another night struggling to get some sleep. Here are 7 common triggers you should avoid.
What is Sleep Apnea?
OSA is the most prevalent form of sleep apnea. It causes potentially hundreds of pauses in breathing while you are sleeping. Each event can last for a minute or longer, depleting your body of oxygen and interrupting your sleep cycle.
Breathing disturbances are caused by an obstruction in the upper airway. It’s created by the soft tissues in the back of your mouth or tongue collapsing when your muscles relax as you drift off to sleep. With no treatment, you can face life-threatening complications.
Common Triggers of Sleep Apnea
Anyone can suffer from OSA, but various factors are connected to an increased risk is symptoms, including:
- Weight Gain: Obesity causes a larger neck circumference and additional weight on the airways. Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease breathing disruptions.
- Certain Medications: Some medications that cause relaxation can trigger symptoms, like muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, opioids, and sleep aids. Don’t stop taking any prescribed medications without consulting with your physician.
- Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue to block your airway. It’s better to sleep on your side.
- Alcohol: Drinking a lot of alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it can worsen sleep apnea episodes. It’s better to limit your consumption, especially before going to bed.
- Pre-Existing Health Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease are connected to sleep apnea. It’s important to manage underlying health issues.
- Smoking: Tobacco can make it difficult to breathe. Breaking the habit will improve your health and sleep quality.
- Noncompliant with Treatment: If your sleep apnea isn’t managed with a CPAP or an oral appliance, the condition won’t go away on its own. It is crucial to follow your treatment plan.
Your sleep specialist can provide you with the treatment you need. As an alternative to a CPAP machine, you may be a candidate for an oral appliance. The custom-fit device repositions your tongue and jaw to prevent obstructions. It’s a comfortable, effective solution for mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
About Dr. Stephanie Gorczyca
Dr. Gorczyca achieved her dental degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry and has regularly continued her education in many specialties to treat complex dental cases. She is affiliated with the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Request an appointment through her website or call (702) 602-4000.