Regular Exercise Can Help Reduce Sleep Apnea Symptoms; Here’s How

Sleep apnea is a common health condition that can cause a person to wake up short of breath more than a hundred times in a single night, and this can have serious consequences for their health. Many dentists are trained and equipped to address sleep apnea with treatments such as oral appliances that help keep the airway open during sleep, but there are a few effective measures you can take at home to reduce your symptoms. Here’s how regular exercise can help you get better sleep.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition characterized by the soft tissues within the throat weighing heavily on the windpipe as they relax during sleep. When this happens, the patient will wake up suddenly for lack of breath, and this can happen a hundred times or more in a single night. Sleep apnea can lead to health consequences such as:

• Grogginess
• Irritability
• Overeating
• Depression
• Difficulty staying awake
• Falling asleep while operating heavy machinery
• Lower life expectancy

How Can Regular Exercise Help Treat Sleep Apnea?

Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, and it can make it much easier to rest properly even if you have sleep apnea. Exercise burns excess energy, which makes it easy for the body to enter and maintain its restful state at night, and it also teaches the cardiovascular system to run more efficiently, which can make it easier to breathe normally while asleep. Frequent physical activity can also reduce obesity, which is a common factor in the development of sleep apnea.

How Else Can I Treat Sleep Apnea at Home?

While your dentist can help you find a long-lasting and comfortable treatment for your sleep apnea, there are a few measures you can take at home to encourage better slumber. These include:

• Quitting smoking
• Refraining from drinking alcohol and looking at your phone during the hours before bed
• Sleeping in a recliner or using pillows or cushions to prop up your head and chest when you lie down
• Avoiding blue lights and loud noises before going to bed

Sleep apnea is a frustrating problem, but there are effective ways to address it. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to get great rest.

About the Author

Dr. Terry L. Drennan graduated from the University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio Health Science Center and has competed extensive postgraduate coursework to keep his skills sharp. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Fort Worth District Dental Society. His office in Fort Worth offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as sleep apnea treatments. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact his practice online or dial (817) 732-5522.