Sleep Apnea & Alcohol in Reading, PA
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Contact UsShould You Have That Nightcap?
The American Addiction Centers report that it’s common for people with sleep issues to use alcohol as a sleep aid. Sometimes, it’s common to drink regularly before bedtime if you decide to go out with friends. What you may not know is that these behaviors can lead to serious issues if you suffer from or are at risk of developing sleep apnea.
As a professional sleep expert, Dr. Stephen Sulzbach knows that alcohol consumption can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms. To reduce these symptoms, you must understand the link between alcohol and apneic episodes. Dr. Sulzbach and our team at The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center in Reading, PA are here to help.
The Link Between Alcohol and Apneic Symptoms
Many people turn to alcohol as a way to wind down and relax before bed. However, alcohol can have the opposite effect on sleep, especially for those with symptoms of sleep apnea. According to studies conducted by the scientific journal, Drug and Alcohol Dependence, alcohol usage, especially binge drinking, increases the frequency and severity of apneic symptoms.
Why Alcohol Exacerbates Apneic Episodes
Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the body, including those in the throat and airway. This causes the airway to become blocked or narrow, making it more difficult to breathe during sleep. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with the brain’s ability to regulate breathing, which can make your symptoms even worse.
What Are the Consequences of Alcohol When You Have Sleep Apnea?
If left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious consequences for your health and well-being. When alcohol consumption exacerbates sleep apnea symptoms, some of the negative aspects you can experience include:
- Worsened snoring and interrupted sleep
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries due to daytime sleepiness
- Higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and stroke
- Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Additional concentration issues and memory loss
The Effect of Alcohol on Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea can be treated with several different methods, including CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, oral appliance therapy, and newer treatments like Inspire® therapy. However, alcohol consumption can interfere with the effectiveness of all of these treatments since it relaxes the airway.
It can also interfere with Inspire therapy, a treatment that uses an implanted device to stimulate the tongue and keep the airway open during sleep. While the exact mechanism is not well understood, alcohol consumption can reduce the effectiveness of Inspire therapy by reducing the response to tongue stimulation.
The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center of Pennsylvania Reviews
Dr. Sulzbach helped me with my sleep apnea and snoring. My wife is so much happier now!
I have had the luck and the pleasure of seeing Dr. Salzbach on several occasions. An extremely knowledgeable and professional, who truly does care about his patients. He takes the time to explain options, procedures to you in a way that you've understand and is very up front. I would highly recommend anytime to anyone.
Dr. Sulzbach and Corrine Lambert were amazing in taking care of my sleep apnea needs. I can’t wait to see how much improvement there is with the new device.
I have sleep apnea and felt awful for years. Just constantly tired. I can't wear the cpap. I tried but I just hate the thing. Dr Steve made a dental appliance and I am sleeping through the night without even snoring for the first time in probably 20 years. He's really laid back but straight to the point.
I have been going to Dr. Steve for years. He is a competent and wonderful dentist. It is a shame what Harrisburg tried to do to him. I guess when they need a scape goat to further their agenda they don't care who they try to hurt in the process. Rest assured he is by far the best dentist I have ever gone to and goes beyond the standard of care!
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Additional Effects of Alcohol on Sleep
In addition to exacerbating sleep apnea symptoms, alcoholic drinks can also have other effects on sleep. For example, alcohol can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycles, leading to poor quality sleep even for those without sleep apnea. Alcohol can also cause or worsen other sleep disorders, such as insomnia and restless leg syndrome, which may also make apneic episodes worse.
How Avoiding Alcohol Improves Your Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea, avoiding alcoholic drinks can help reduce your symptoms and improve your overall sleep quality. Here are some tips our sleep specialist recommends:
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption altogether
- Avoid drinking alcohol within three hours of bedtime
- Consider relaxation techniques as an alternative to alcohol
- Work with a sleep apnea specialist, like Dr. Sulzbach to develop a treatment plan
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About UsLearn More About Alcohol’s Link to Sleep Apnea
If you are struggling with sleep apnea or at risk of developing it, it’s important to understand the link between alcoholic beverages and sleep apnea symptoms. By avoiding alcohol and working with a sleep specialist like Dr. Stephen Sulzbach at The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center in Reading, PA, you can prevent or reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improve your overall quality of sleep.
Contact our dental office to learn more about the relationship between alcohol consumption and apneic episodes. You can also schedule an appointment by filling out the contact form below.
Sleep Apnea & Alcohol FAQs
How can I improve my sleep apnea besides avoiding alcohol?
There are several treatments for sleep apnea, including using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, oral appliances, and surgery. It’s important to work with a sleep apnea specialist to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
Can switching to light beer or wine instead of hard liquor help my sleep apnea?
While switching to lighter alcoholic beverages may reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms, it’s still best to avoid alcohol altogether if you have sleep apnea. Even less heavy alcohol can induce sleep apneic episodes, which can prolong and worsen sleep apnea symptoms over time.
Can alcohol cause people to develop sleep apnea?
Alcohol can potentially lead to sleep apnea symptoms in people who don’t already have the condition. This is particularly true if they consume large amounts of alcohol or have a pre-existing risk for sleep apnea. You should talk to your dentist and your primary care provider to learn more about your risk for sleep apnea symptoms and how alcohol may affect your sleep health.
How long before bedtime should I avoid alcohol if I have sleep apnea?
It’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 3 – 4 hours before bedtime to reduce the risk of exacerbating sleep apnea symptoms. However, most sleep apnea dentists agree that patients with sleep apnea should avoid alcohol altogether. If you find that it’s hard not to drink before bed, you should consider calling your local addiction center for help.