Sometimes, the best part of the day is when it ends. You have a chance to relax, breathe, and maybe enjoy a cocktail. Not only are they delicious, but they help you quickly fall asleep as well. Unfortunately, if you have sleep apnea, a drink or two before bed might be making your mornings harder (and not in the way you might be thinking).
Alcohol, Sleep Apnea, & You
Countless people around the world drink alcohol right before bed because it’s calming, and that’s exactly why it causes problems when you have sleep apnea.
Alcohol is a depressant, which means it causes the muscles in the throat and upper airway to become overly lax when you lie down and go to bed, increasing the risk of the airway becoming cut off. This can make sleep apnea worse (more breathing obstructions throughout the night) or contribute to the blockages occurring in the first place.
Healthier Alternatives
Having a nightly ritual that lets you wind down before going to bed is not only healthy, but encouraged by experts! While having a few drinks should be avoided, here are some other options that can help you drift off again and again:
- Try non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails
- Read a book to avoid screens and light exposure
- Take a hot shower
- Listen to music
- Journal
- Meditate for as little as 3 minutes
There is no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to a routine—just go with whatever combination works best for you!
When to Call a Professional
Of course, if you have sleep apnea, simply skipping a drink or two isn’t going to resolve the condition. It still needs to be treated. With a simple screening, an official diagnosis, and care guided by an expert, you can save the drinks for social time and rest easy knowing that you’ll wake up feeling energized and ready for the day.
About the Author
Dr. Mitch Conditt has been transforming smiles—and sleep—since 1985, when he graduated from the Baylor College of Dentistry. Today, his sole passion is restoring the rest his patients deserve. He’s board-certified in dental sleep medicine, a Diplomate of the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine, and has Fellowship status with the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain—plus he’s an active member of multiple top sleep and orofacial pain organizations.
Need help with snoring or sleep apnea? Fort Worth Snoring & Sleep Center is just a call or click away: 817-527-8500 or request an appointment online.