Anyone with sleep apnea will tell you that it affects just about every aspect of your life, including many you might not expect. When people think about sleep apnea, they picture being tired in the morning, at work, or behind the wheel. But that exhaustion doesn’t magically go away during the holidays, meaning it can also interfere with Halloween, which is just around the corner.
If you’re hoping to get the most out of the spooky season without feeling like a zombie yourself, these simple tips will make sure things stay (fun) scary for all the right reasons.
Stick to Your Treatment & Bedtime Routine
One of the best things about any holiday is that it offers the chance to break out of your normal day-to-day. What’s a bigger departure than dressing up and walking to people’s houses asking for candy (or accompanying your children while they do so)?
Any shakeup in your routine might seem like a good excuse to skip out on your normal bedtime regimen (including your sleep apnea treatment if you have one), but it’s important to stick to whatever you need to do to get adequate rest.
After the mask comes off, your oral appliance or CPAP should go in just like any other night so that you can avoid being sleep deprived. You’ll be thanking yourself for the discipline as the week goes on!
Ration Candy
Eating a boatload of candy right before bed is a great way to exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms. In addition to putting you at risk of good old-fashioned indigestion and a tummy ache, eating too close to bed can cause your body to produce more, thicker mucous in your upper airway. This can lead to an increased number of apnea episodes throughout the night.
It’s best to have just a few pieces and then put the rest away (no matter how much your kids might protest). Not binging on candy is always good for your health, plus your family will be able to enjoy it for longer if you only indulge a little bit at a time.
Limit Alcohol
Perhaps you don’t have kids or your spouse is on trick-or-treat duty this year, so your plan is to attend a party with friends and/or coworkers. There’s a high chance of a few adult beverages being imbibed, and while that’s all well and good, it’s important to have your last drink about 2-3 hours before bedtime.
Alcohol has a sedative effect that can make the muscles in your throat over-relax throughout the night, meaning it’s easier for your airway to become cut off while you sleep. Plus, alcohol has been shown to reduce sleep quality, so limiting it is wise whether you have sleep apnea or not!
While these tips are effective, they shouldn’t serve as a substitute for professional treatment, as that’s the only way to truly get your sleep apnea under control.
Thankfully, all you need to do is talk to a sleep dentist. They can screen you, help you get diagnosed if needed, and even provide treatment in the form of a custom oral appliance if necessary. This can make life (even during the holidays) a whole lot easier and ensure you have the energy you need to enjoy yourself no matter the occasion.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Kirk has taken care of Oklahoma City smiles for over 30 years. In that time, he has helped hundreds of patients stop snoring and get their sleep apnea under control using oral appliances so they are finally able to enjoy the rest they deserve.
If you’re ready to feel great in the morning and not be drowsy all the time, click here or call Grand Dental Studio at (405) 848-3719.