TIPS FOR MANAGING SLEEP APNEA DURING THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season, though the most exciting time of the year, can also be very overwhelming and stressful. This can greatly impact your sleep quality, especially if you have a sleep disorder.

Good sleep is essential to both your physical and mental well-being. Not getting sufficient quality sleep regularly can increase your risk of contracting certain diseases and can lead to low productivity and poor judgment.

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, affecting nearly 30 million individuals in the United States. Although stress doesn’t cause sleep apnea, it can intensify the symptoms and affect your quality of life. That’s the last thing you want over the holidays.

That’s why we’ve compiled the following tips to help you sleep better and allow you to enjoy the holidays as much as possible.

MAINTAIN A SCHEDULE

Having a sleep schedule where you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day is one important way to improve the quality of your sleep. Pick a time when you usually feel tired and be in bed by that time. But make sure to properly communicate with your loved ones why this is essential to you so they don’t disrupt your sleep.

If you need to take a nap during the day, make it as short as possible, preferably not more than 30 minutes, to avoid disrupting your natural sleep cycle.

MODERATION IS KEY

Over the holidays, there will always be a lot of food and drinks to keep you entertained. Try not to overindulge, as this can negatively affect your sleep quality.

You don’t want to be going to the bathroom at night when you should be sleeping because you’ve had too much to drink. Although alcohol might seem like a great solution to fall asleep faster, it can negatively affect your sleep quality.

We also recommend cutting back on caffeinated drinks and nicotine, as those can make falling asleep difficult as well.

MAKE TIME TO UNWIND

Stress accumulated during the day can make sleeping at night difficult. Accordingly, it’s essential to learn how to manage your stress and worry. When need be, take a break to recharge and find a quiet place to have some alone time. Consider creating some time to get some sunlight and exercise. Even simple exercises, like going for a walk, swimming, or jogging, can have a huge impact on your sleep quality and how long you sleep.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

Seeking an expert opinion when dealing with sleep apnea is essential to your overall well-being. Dr. Steven Wilk at Denver Sleep Apnea Center will conduct the necessary tests before deciding on the appropriate treatment for your specific type of sleep apnea. He will also be able to advise you on how to deal with any challenges that may arise along the way.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Ready to finally get your sleep apnea under control? Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Steven Wilk at Denver Sleep Apnea Center is a great first step. Call our Denver, CO office at (303) 758-4865 or use our online contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve a great night’s sleep!