Can Drinking Alcohol Make Sleep Apnea Worse?

Many people like to have a glass of wine or another alcoholic beverage right before bed because they think it helps them sleep better. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different – alcohol can make it more difficult for you to get quality sleep, and the results are even worse if you have a sleep disorder. Here is why alcohol and sleep apnea don’t mix.

How Alcohol Affects Sleep

While it is widely believed that drinking alcohol can help you fall asleep more quickly, that is only true for a few days. Once your body builds up a tolerance, alcohol stops working as a sleep aid. In fact, it is more likely to have the opposite effect; research shows that drinking large amounts of alcohol is linked to needing more time to fall asleep.

Even worse, alcohol can throw off the sleep cycle, causing you to not spend enough time in the REM (rapid-eye movement) stages. Consequently, the quality of your sleep will suffer, and you’ll more likely to wake up throughout the night.

The Link Between Alcohol and Sleep Apnea

So how can a nightcap affect people with sleep apnea? Alcohol causes the muscles in your throat to relax, making them more likely to collapse and block the airway. As a result, you’ll be more likely to suffer from the breathing interruptions that are associated with sleep apnea.

If you already have sleep apnea, drinking alcohol before bed can make your condition even worse. This, combined with the other ways that alcohol affects your sleep, can leave you feeling exhausted during the day and will likely have a devastating impact on your long-term health.

How You Can Address Your Sleep Apnea

If you already know that you have sleep apnea, then you’ll definitely want to cut down on your alcohol consumption, especially at night. In the event that you do have a drink, you should finish it at least a couple of hours before the time you would normally go to bed.

Meanwhile, you should look for a way to have your sleep disorder treated. A sleep dentist may be able to provide you with a customized oral appliance that shifts the jaw forward to keep your airway open at night, making it easier for you to breathe normally. Many people prefer oral appliance therapy over traditional CPAP treatment since it’s quieter, more comfortable, and more convenient to pack while traveling.

Sleep apnea can be dangerous if it isn’t treated, so if you think you might have the disorder, you need to act quickly. Take whatever steps you need to improve the quality of your sleep – whether that means giving up your evening drinks or making other lifestyle changes.

About the Author

Dr. Robert G. Dernick opened his first practice in The Woodlands in 1980. After practicing general and cosmetic dentistry for years, he developed an interest in the field of sleep dentistry. Today he offers custom-made oral appliances for patients who are suffering from sleep apnea. If you’re looking for a solution for your sleep disorder, schedule a consultation with Dr. Dernick by visiting his website or calling (281) 783-3419.