{"id":93,"date":"2024-06-10T19:23:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-10T19:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.healthysleeptulsa.com\/blog\/?p=93"},"modified":"2024-07-29T19:05:11","modified_gmt":"2024-07-29T19:05:11","slug":"sleeping-pills-and-sleep-apnea-whats-the-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthysleeptulsa.com\/blog\/sleeping-pills-and-sleep-apnea-whats-the-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Sleeping Pills and Sleep Apnea a Bad Mix?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"SleeplessIf you suffer from sleep apnea, a good night\u2019s rest can be difficult to achieve. Frequent breathing disruptions interrupt your sleep cycle, which can leave you feeling exhausted the next day. To make matters worse, insomnia and sleep apnea go hand in hand. According to a 2021 study, up to 60% of sleep apnea<\/a> sufferers also experience insomnia. Sleeping pills are often prescribed to treat insomnia, but are they safe if you have sleep apnea? Here\u2019s what you need to know to doze off quickly.<\/p>\n

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What Causes Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most prevalent form of the breathing disorder. Several pauses in breathing occur from an obstruction in the airway created by the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or throat collapsing. Every breathing disruption deprives the body of oxygen and affects your sleep quality negatively. You can be at risk of potentially life-threatening complications with no treatment, including heart disease and sleep deprivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insomnia and Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sleep apnea can trigger insomnia for various reasons. For example, the brain may inhibit your ability to fall asleep to avoid experiencing pauses in breathing. Anxiety about breathing disruptions may also cause you to toss and turn at night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleeping Pills and Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sleeping pills are a go-to treatment for insomnia, but they aren\u2019t always recommended for patients with sleep apnea. Some sleep aids can worsen sleep apnea events because they may cause the body to relax and suppress breathing. Benzodiazepines can be especially risky. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manage Your Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Treating your sleep apnea can help you sleep peacefully while improving your overall wellness. Your sleep specialist will create a personalized treatment plan, which may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n