Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which the sufferer experiences cessations in breathing throughout the night during sleep. This can cause a wide range of symptoms, including loud snoring, difficulty focusing, mood changes, and chronic fatigue. When you are tired all of the time, it can be tempting to lay down for a nap in the afternoon. Here’s why this isn’t the best idea if you have sleep apnea.
How Does Napping Impact Sleep Apnea?
Do you like to nap during the day? For some people, a siesta is the perfect way to renew themselves during the day. However, if you have sleep apnea, naps might not be ideal. Here are a couple of reasons why.
- If you are planning to take a short nap, you might think that you can get away with not using your oral appliance or CPAP. This means that you might be more likely to experience cessations in your breathing during your nap. You might even wake up feeling more tired than when you first laid down.
- Napping makes it challenging for some people to fall asleep at night. If you aren’t used to your sleep apnea treatment yet, it is best to set yourself up to be tired when it’s time for bed so that you fall asleep quickly.
Generally speaking, it is best to skip naps when you have sleep apnea. However, if you feel that one is truly necessary, try not to nap more than 20 to 30 minutes. This way, you are less likely to enter the deep phases of sleep, reducing interference with your nighttime routine.
How Else Can You Improve Your Quality of Sleep?
If you have sleep apnea or are experiencing symptoms, here are some additional steps to improve your quality of sleep.
- Don’t use electronics at least an hour before bed.
- Don’t drink carbonated beverages in the afternoon.
- Don’t drink alcoholic beverages before bed.
- Adjust your thermostat so the temperature is cool.
- Make your bedroom as dark as possible during bedtime.
- Try to go to bed at the same time every night.
- Consultant with a sleep apnea doctor if you think that you have sleep apnea or are having difficulty with your sleep apnea treatment. Another option may be available to have you get the rest that you need.
Napping may be helpful in some situations, but it isn’t usually an ideal option for those with sleep apnea. By skipping your nap, you might be able to achieve a higher quality sleep during the night.
About the Practice
At Healthy Sleep Tulsa, Dr. Lori Hare, Dr. Billie Reeder, and Dr. Robin Ross work together to treat patients in the Tulsa community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (918) 300-4325.