Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that affects an estimated 20% of Americans, yet many people go undiagnosed or don’t seek treatment because they feel that it isn’t a serious condition. However, sleep apnea can be very serious and, if left untreated, can cause serious health issues.

When you suffer from sleep apnea, your body stops breathing several, sometimes hundreds of times per night. This disrupts your natural breathing and sleep cycles. Sleep apnea episodes also lower your blood oxygen level, raise your blood pressure, and can leave a devastating impact on your heart and brain. When your body isn’t getting the rest that it needs you run the risk of developing serious conditions such as depressive disorders, impaired breathing, and even heart disease. Lack of adequate sleep also can cause other problems such as faulty memory, drowsiness, and impaired function while driving.

The Effect of Alcohol on Sleep Apnea

Studies have shown that alcohol can actually cause, or worsen sleep apnea. When you consume alcohol it affects your night time breathing. It naturally decreases your body’s drive to breathe. Your breathing becomes slower and shallower. The alcohol also relaxes the muscles in your throat, making it more likely for your airway to become obstructed.

Moderate to heavy drinking can actually cause sleep apnea in people who otherwise have no signs of the disorder. If you do have sleep apnea, then the symptoms worsen and become more pronounced. The alcohol can actually increase the length of time between when you stop breathing and when you start again. This longer cessation of breathing makes the disorder worse than it already is. Your blood oxygen levels can drop significantly and carbon dioxide increases within your body. This is a condition called hypercapnia and it can be fatal.

Should People with Sleep Apnea Avoid Alcohol?

If there’s a chance that you may already have sleep apnea, it’s strongly recommended that you abstain from alcohol use. At the very least you should not consume alcohol within several hours prior to bed time. It’s also extremely important that you continue your treatment as recommended by your doctor. You should continue to use your CPAP to keep your breathing rhythm going in case there are any residual effects from the alcohol.

What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can be difficult to diagnose because many people don’t realize they have a problem and don’t seek out treatment. There are some symptoms that are prevalent across the board for people who suffer from sleep apnea. Most people with the sleeping disorder snore in their sleep. They also have a tendency to have noticeable pauses in breathing. They may wake up with a dry mouth and throat along with a headache. Daytime drowsiness is a symptom as well, along with difficulty concentrating, poor memory, and irritability. All of these symptoms are caused by either the decrease in oxygen levels or the broken sleep cycle that prohibits you from getting the rest that your body needs in order to function at top capacity.

More About Sleep Apnea

Anyone can have sleep apnea, but people who are at a higher risk for developing the sleeping disorder include men, people who are middle-aged or older, people who are overweight, and people with a larger neck circumference.

There are lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce or eliminate your sleep apnea symptoms. Exercising and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle free of alcohol can help eliminate a lot of risk factors associated with sleep apnea. Developing these good habits will also go along way for your overall heart and body health as well.

If your doctor does diagnose you with sleep apnea, then there are treatment options available to you based upon the severity of your diagnosis. Even something as simple as sleeping on your side can help improve your symptoms and help you get a better night’s sleep. Ceasing any sedatives prior to bed, including alcohol can help reduce the occurrences that your body stops breathing. Losing weight and treating allergy symptoms can also reduce and eliminate your sleep apnea symptoms. You doctor may even suggest that you try doing tongue exercises to help strengthen the muscles that line your airway to help prevent obstruction.

If these changes don’t help your symptoms, then your doctor may recommend a CPAP machine. This machine provides a continuous positive airway pressure to gently help keep your airway open as you sleep. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery such as removing the tonsils and adenoids that could be partially blocking your airway if they are enlarged.

There are a number of treatment options available to you, but the most important thing that you do is see a doctor if you believe that you may be exhibiting symptoms of sleep apnea. You do not want to delay treatment and risk the health of your mind, body, and heart. Speak with your doctor about your concerns and they will be able to help advise you about the condition.

If you or a loved one may have sleep apnea and would like to know more, then please call Mark Levy DDS at (614) 777-7350.