Effects of alcohol on sleep apnea

Many people believe that a nightcap will help them sleep better. However, those suffering from sleep apnea Novato may experience disruption in sleep patterns that can cause problems when sleeping. Some of those who suffer from sleep apnea may experience worsening conditions when they drink alcohol. In some cases, conditions become hazardous to a person’s health when they rely on a machine to help them sleep with apnea and drink alcohol before bedtime.

Breathing

The amount of beverages a person enjoys during the day may affect how someone with sleep apnea sleeps. Depending upon how much alcohol is consumed and how bad the apnea is, a person can experience very shallow breathing. In extreme cases, some experience stoppage of breathing at various points throughout the night.

Snoring

Because of the effects alcohol has on the body, it is possible to develop snoring issues and sleep apnea. This can even occur in patients who have never experienced any signs or symptoms before. Those who do not normally snore, many find themselves snoring when they have been out drinking. Those who already snore may discover the start developing conditions related to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea and snoring can worsen with as little as one to two alcoholic beverages.

Oxygen levels

Increased snoring and breathing complications related to sleep apnea can cause oxygen levels in the body to drop. Because alcohol slows down and can impede breathing, this can cause an extreme drop in oxygen levels. If this occurs it could increase the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, which is also known as hypercapnia.

Alcohol

Patients undergoing therapy to help improve and rid themselves of their sleep apnea should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Even one or two beverages could cause problems associated with a person’s sleep apnea condition and in some cases make it worse. This is mostly because alcohol consumption will hinder a patient’s progress in improving their sleep apnea.

The effects of alcohol will be determined on how much someone drinks and how bad their sleep apnea is. For help with sleep apnea visit a local physician or sleep center in the Novato area. During a visit, patients will learn how their drinking may be making their sleep apnea worse.

Get enough sleep while traveling

Some people find themselves traveling often, which takes them away from the comfort of their own bed. Excessive traveling can cause a disruption in a person’s sleep habits, which can hinder how they function while traveling. Those traveling for work may find themselves having a hard time focusing due to their lack of sleep. While those who are traveling for a vacation, may find themselves wanting to go back to bed and not enjoy their vacation because of a lack of sleep. No matter what the reasons are for traveling, it is important to focus on getting enough sleep.

Signs of sleep deprivation

Those who are suffering from sleep deprivation while traveling, also referred to as jet lag, will experience various signs and symptoms. Some symptoms may include body fatigue, trouble staying awake, headaches and trouble concentrating. Other physical problems associated with jet lag may include digestive issues, unstable blood pressure and slower reflexes.

Relaxing while traveling

As long as the traveler is not the one driving, the time traveling offer the perfect opportunity to relax and get in some additional sleep. Those traveling by plane, train or bus will have plenty of time to get some much needed sleep in. To help improve sleep during this time it might be best to get a sleep mask to block out the light and wear headphones to block out the noise. A neck pillow will help offer some comfort for sleeping while traveling.

Sleeping at the hotel

Not everyone is able to get a sound night’s sleep while staying in a hotel. Everything from outside noises to sleeping in an unfamiliar location can impede the quality of sleep someone gets. To help get the best sleep possible while at a hotel it may be necessary to stick to a normal routine, get a workout in daily, bring some comforts from home and turn off the phone.

For some, having trouble getting enough sleep is caused by the fact that they are traveling a lot. While others sleep disorders Novato find out that they are suffering from one or more of the different sleep disorders. It is best to speak with a physician to help determine if the lack of sleep is caused by traveling or is indeed a sleeping disorder.