Sleep Apnea Dentist: “Allergies Can Lead to Sleep Apnea.”

May 17, 2018

The weather is starting to get warmer, and for many, that means it’s time to pack up the car and head to the beach. For others, however, it’s the sign that their seasonal allergies are about to get into full swing. While we all know that allergies can bring on nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes during the day, did you know that they can actually impact your sleep as well? Research has shown that those who experience allergies, be they year-round or seasonal, are actually much more likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea as well. Are your allergies affecting you (or your child) day and night? Read on to learn more about this little known connection from a sleep apnea dentist in Vero Beach.

But First, What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is the second most common sleep disorder in the world, affecting about 20 million Americans each night. It is characterized by brief interruptions in breathing during sleep, which disrupts a person’s sleep cycle, preventing them from getting the quality rest they need, and it also puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body. This can lead to symptoms such as:

  • Loud, chronic snoring
  • Persistent daytime exhaustion
  • Rapid weight gain or trouble losing weight
  • Memory problems
  • Moods swings and depression
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Hypertension
  • Trouble Focusing
  • Hyperactivity (children only)

The Connection to Allergies

So why are we talking about sleep apnea and allergies? It is because those who experience allergic rhinitis, which occurs when allergens in the air are breathed in by a person who is allergic to them that causes irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages, is a definite risk factor for sleep apnea according to research.

Sleep apnea most often occurs because the soft tissues in the mouth and throat relax into and block the airway, and nasal congestion brought on by allergic rhinitis can actually constrict the upper airway, making this much more likely to occur.

So, if you or your child are currently going through allergies and feel tired all the time, it could be because you simply can’t breathe properly while you sleep!

What to Do About It

Fortunately, studies have shown that reducing nasal inflammation (whether with a nasal spray or pill) can help reduce the likelihood of sleep apnea and its associated symptoms. This is also important to note for those who have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have trouble with CPAP therapy in Vero Beach because of frequent nasal congestion.

However, if sleep apnea symptoms continue despite getting a person’s allergies under control, the next step is to contact their doctor to have a proper sleep study performed.

In short, if someone is coughing and sneezing in your household, doing something about it won’t just help them during the day, but the night as well!

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a certified sleep dentist who has been practicing in Vero Beach for over 30 years. At his practice, he provides custom-made oral appliances that have been shown to prevent the symptoms of sleep apnea, even for those who suffer from chronic allergies. If you believe that allergies may be causing sleep problems for either you or your child, he can help, and you can contact him through his website for all questions.