Napping and Sleep Apnea Are a Bad Mix

If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you might be battling daytime fatigue. Chronic snoring isn’t the only complication of untreated OSA. Each breathing disruption interrupts your sleep cycle, which can lead to sleep deprivation with no treatment. If you require a cat nap to get through the day, you could be making the problem worse. Here’s why you should skip your afternoon nap if you have sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Affects Sleep Quality

The most common form of sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction in the upper airway. It’s created by the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or throat, which relax and collapse while sleeping. This can cause hundreds of pauses in breathing throughout the night, depleting your body of oxygen. 

Not only does this strain every system in your body, but it also interrupts your sleep cycle. Your brain jolts you awake to resume breathing, but you may not be aware of the brief awakenings. Each time your sleep cycle is interrupted, it reduces your sleep quality. If that debt isn’t repaid, it can affect your physical and mental health.

Napping Doesn’t Repay Sleep Debt

If you’re not getting enough sleep at night, a quick nap can give you the burst of energy you need during the day. However, napping does not repay your sleep debt. Instead, it leads to unusual sleep patterns that can worsen daytime fatigue. 

Without adequate rest, sleep deprivation can occur, increasing your risk of workplace and auto accidents. It can also affect your mental health, memory, and cognitive abilities.

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Adults should sleep at least 7-9 hours every night. Your first step to sleeping better requires treating your OSA. Your sleep specialist will determine which treatment is right for you, like:

• CPAP Machine: A CPAP machine is the most traditional method of treating sleep apnea. A mask is worn over the mouth or nose to deliver a steady stream of air pressure to stop breathing disturbances.
• Oral Appliance: An oral appliance is a custom-fit device that positions your jaw and tongue to prevent them from blocking your airway. It’s a comfortable and effective solution to treat mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It can be used alone or with a CPAP.

Strategies to Sleep Better

Besides seeking treatment for sleep apnea, you can encourage a good night’s rest by following a few tips:

• Commit to your sleep apnea treatment plan.
• Stick to a regular bedtime routine.
• Create a dark, calm sleeping environment.
• Take a 30-minute walk daily.
• Don’t eat too late.
• Avoid screens before going to bed.

Although it will take your body a few days to adjust to skipping your nap, it’s a small sacrifice to be one step closer to feeling your best.

About Dr. Robert Dernick

Dr. Dernick achieved his DDS degree at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston and has regularly continued his education in various specialties, including sleep-disordered breathing problems. He offers the latest solutions to treat snoring and sleep apnea with oral appliances. Request an appointment through his website or call (281) 612-6316.