Napping & Sleep Apnea: Ways to Improve Your Level of Rest

Some people tend to have difficulty getting proper rest throughout the night, especially if they are already struggling with sleep apnea. In some cases, napping can potentially help improve various aspects of a person, including increasing memory retention and concentration. However, this might not be as beneficial for someone with a resting disorder. Keep reading to learn how napping can affect sleep apnea and what you can do to improve your situation.

How Does Napping Impact Sleep Apnea Treatment?

If you don’t typically get plenty of rest during bedtime, then you know how tempting it can be to take naps throughout the day. While this can help you avoid fatigue temporarily, there could be some drawbacks when it comes to your sleep apnea treatment. Those trying to get accustomed to their CPAP machine may never fully be able to embrace this method since frequent naps can reduce their chance of having sleep debt. The more naps you have, the more you take away from your ability to slumber for six to eight hours.

Ways to Improve Your Bedtime Rest

One interesting method to enhance your level of rest is simply to allow yourself to be more tired. By building up more “sleep debt” at the end of the day, you can end up improving your chances of getting more rest, meaning you can wear your CPAP mask and enjoy the benefits of the treatment. Furthermore, you might consider setting a specific time to go to bed, that way you can aim to avoid getting some shut-eye until it’s the proper time.

While CPAP is an incredibly effective way to address sleep apnea, many patients claim it can be quite bulky and, therefore, inconvenient at times. Not only can the device be somewhat loud, but it can also be difficult to travel with. As an alternative to CPAP treatment, you can try investing in an oral appliance for sleep apnea. These devices can be worn overnight, or even for a nap, allowing you to shift your lower jaw forward and open your airways for proper breathing.

It’s always best to get a good night’s rest, that way you can feel fresh and focused for the next day. If you’re curious about oral appliances for sleep apnea, feel free to speak with your dentist about your options.

About the Author

With close to three decades of experience in the dental field, Dr. Reintjes strives to help patients improve both their oral health and overall well-being. On top of various dental treatments, he also offers sleep apnea treatment via oral appliances to help people improve their rest. If you wish to learn more about this service or want to schedule an initial consultation, visit our website or give us a call today at 559-438-6684.