Why You Should Avoid Napping with Sleep Apnea!

If you have sleep apnea, it may seem like a good idea to nap. Of course, you haven’t been sleeping well, and your body needs the rest, so a few naps throughout the day are easy to take. However, did you know that your napping could be hurting your ability to fall asleep at night? Read on to learn why you should avoid snoozing while the sun is still out and how you can give yourself a better night’s sleep for more productive days!

Understanding Sleep Debt

Sleep debt or sleep deficit is exactly what it sounds like – it occurs when you’re not getting enough sleep. Common symptoms of sleep apnea are frequently waking up gasping for breath and insomnia. These issues won’t allow your body to go through all the sleep cycles necessary to feel fully rested, leading to your sleep debt. So, if you’re wondering why you always want to nap during the day, this problem is usually the answer.

How Can You Get Better Sleep on Your Own?

Sleep apnea symptoms can be exacerbated by a variety of factors, including obesity, anxiety, unhealthy lifestyle choices like heavily using alcohol, and more. That’s why it’s up to you to set yourself up for success when it comes to your sleep. You can give yourself a better chance at a full night’s rest by doing the following:

• Create the perfect sleep environment: Most people like cool, dark rooms to sleep in. If you enjoy some white noise or air flow, try using a fan. Anything you can do to make yourself feel more comfortable will lead to better sleep.
• Exercise: Physical activity promotes weight loss, which lowers risks of sleep apnea, and it decreases stress levels. Working out will help you feel more ready for sleep when the sun goes down.
• Stress relief: Whether it’s professional help, meditating, or simply opening up to love ones, any form of anxiety and stress relief you can find will make it easier to fall asleep.

Sleep Apnea Treatment – There is No Substitute!

The tips above are significant ways you can improve your sleep quality, but there is no substitute for treatment from a sleep apnea expert. Your dentist offers custom-made oral appliances that shift the jaw and/or tongue into a position that clears the airway for comfortable breathing. This will help you achieve a full night’s rest, all without the use of an annoying and bulky CPAP machine.

Don’t let napping compromise your good night’s sleep! Remember these simple steps and visit your dentist to feel rested and relaxed.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Robert Dernick has decades of dental experience, which allow him to have a deep understanding of the relationship between your mouth, jaw, head, and airway. He offers effective sleep apnea treatments for his patients in The Woodlands to help them enjoy better overall health and sleep. To schedule a consultation, he can be reached through his website or by phone at (281) 783-3419.