Do you struggle to sleep throughout the night? Are you constantly exhausted throughout the day? Do you lack focus when you are trying to get work done? You might think that taking a sleeping pill could be an easy solution to help you get the rest you need to thrive during the day. However, when you have sleep apnea, it can actually have the opposite effect. Read on to learn about why sleeping pills aren’t the best solution when you have sleep apnea and what you should do instead.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects an estimated 20 million Americans. People with this condition have repetitive pauses in their breathing throughout the night. These can last anywhere from 10 seconds or longer and can occur hundreds of times throughout the night. This condition also increases your risk of serious health issues, like high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and more. Here are some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea to keep in mind.
- Loud snoring
- Waking up gasping for air
- Insomnia
- Daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes
- Frequent headaches
How Do Sleeping Pills Affect Sleep Apnea?
Sleeping pills can sometimes be helpful for those suffering from insomnia. However, if you have sleep apnea, taking sleeping pills isn’t the best option. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), one of the most common forms of the condition, occurs when a person’s throat relaxes and blocks the flow of air. Sleeping pills can cause these same tissues to relax even more, resulting in sleep apnea symptoms that are even more severe. Ultimately, this isn’t the safest option for your body.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy. This treatment consists of wearing a mask that covers the nose and/or mouth at bedtime. The mask is connected to a machine that maintains a steady flow of air, keeping the airway open. This is an effective option for many people, but some find it uncomfortable, so they are less likely to comply with their treatment.
Another option for treating sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy. This is ideal for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea. With this treatment, a special nightguard is customized for your mouth. It is worn at night and works by shifting your jaw into the proper position, so you are less likely to encounter obstructions and breathing cessations during sleep.
Sleep apnea can make it difficult to get quality rest, but sleeping pills probably aren’t in your best interest. By discussing your concerns with your dentist, you can seek a diagnosis and put together a plan to help you achieve the rest you need.
About the Author
After graduating from the Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Dr. Salari pursued a Prosthodontics residence. Since then, she has completed a three-year residency in the United States at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment or to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call (703) 763-0800.