How Does Alcohol Affect Sleep Apnea?

Do you occasionally like to enjoy an adult beverage before bed? Many people use alcohol as a way to relax and unwind after a busy day. Depending on your overall health, moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to have any severe adverse effects. But what if you are trying to manage obstructive sleep apnea? Is it still okay to drink? This blog post discusses what you should know.

How Alcohol Affects Sleep Quality

Alcohol is known for its sedative properties, which can make you feel drowsy and help you fall asleep faster. However, that is far from the end of the story, especially for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

After drinking, your throat muscles relax more than normal, which may increase the chances of airway blockage and worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Therefore, although alcohol might slightly increase your sleep quantity, it can have serious bad effects on your sleep quality. Drinking before bed can increase the number and severity of your sleep apnea events, which can leave you feeling even more exhausted when you wake up.

Reducing the Effects of Alcohol on Your Sleep

If you have sleep apnea, the safest choice is to avoid alcohol altogether. However, if you choose to drink, there are some important guidelines that you should keep in mind:

• Limit Consumption: Try to keep alcohol intake moderate and avoid drinking close to bedtime. Aim to stop drinking at least three hours before going to sleep.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the evening to help your body metabolize alcohol more efficiently.
• Monitor Your Sleep: Pay attention to how alcohol affects your sleep patterns and apnea symptoms. Consider keeping a sleep diary to track changes.

Also, keep in mind that if you use alcohol as a sedative to help you drift off to sleep, you may need to explore other means of falling asleep. For example, you might try breathing exercises, meditation, or taking a warm bath. If stress or anxiety keeps you awake, it may be wise to visit a qualified mental health professional.

Alcohol and obstructive sleep apnea are not a good combination! Instead of winding down with a drink at night, put the bottle aside and enjoy other relaxing activities before bedtime.

Meet the Practice

Drs. Kenneth Mogell and Yitta Garden are both Diplomates of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Under their leadership, our practice provides custom oral appliances to help patients control their obstructive sleep apnea. If you have been struggling to feel well-rested, our team can provide personalized guidance on your next steps. Contact any of our conveniently located offices for more information.