Is Your Diet Making Your Sleep Apnea Worse?

Most people don’t expect their dentist to ask them if they’ve been sleeping well lately. The fact of the matter is the mouth has a major impact on how well we sleep. Turns out, the same is true when it comes to the foods we eat! If you’ve been struggling to sleep due to sleep apnea, or your symptoms have been worse lately, take a moment to learn about the foods most likely to harm (and help) your sleep quality!

Foods to Avoid if You Have Sleep Apnea

• Bananas – The majority of fruits are great for your oral and overall health, but bananas can be harmful to those with sleep apnea. This is due to the fruit increasing mucus production, which can inhibit sleep by creating blockages in the airway. Symptoms can be even worse when eating over-ripe bananas.
• Refined Carbs – Refined carbs tend to have a lot of added sugar, which already makes them a no-no for obvious reasons according to dentists. However, they also contribute to weight gain.

Foods You Can Enjoy Instead

• Fruits and Vegetables – When you need a substitute for sweets or salty snacks, fruits and vegetables are both great options. Since they contain a lot of fiber, they’re more likely to help you feel full and prevent overeating.
• Whole Grains – Did you know that whole grains are also very rich in nutrients and fibers just like fruits and vegetables? When choosing grains, it can also be beneficial to opt for brown rice and steel-cut oats.

Don’t assume your sleep apnea symptoms will get better on their own. A few changes to what you eat during the day can dramatically affect your rest at night. Get in touch with a dentist today to learn how you can manage your sleep apnea symptoms!

About the Author

Dr. Dernick has been studying the specialty field of sleep dentistry for many years now, allowing him to provide safe, effective, and non-invasive sleep apnea therapy right in the dental practice he opened decades ago. To receive a custom-made oral appliance from his office and finally stop your sleep apnea symptoms, you can contact him through his website.