Many people enjoy an alcoholic drink on occasion. Moderate alcohol consumption is known to have health benefits, like decreasing your risk of cardiovascular disease. However, if you enjoy a cold beer on the weekend or a glass of wine with dinner, it could affect your health negatively if you have sleep apnea. Researchers have found an increased risk of the sleep disorder with moderate to heavy alcohol consumption. Here’s what you need to know about the potential risks of drinking alcohol.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most prevalent form of the condition. When the soft tissues in the back of the mouth and throat relax as you drift off to sleep, they can create an obstruction in your airway. This can lead to potentially hundreds of pauses in breathing throughout the night. Every disturbance causes your brain to jolt you awake to resume normal breathing, which interrupts your sleep cycle. Not only can this affect your sleep quality, but sleep apnea can increase your risk of potentially deadly complications.
Risks of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Every time you stop breathing, your body is depleted of oxygen. Over time, this can raise your risk of several serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory distress. Your sleep cycle is also interrupted, which can affect your mental health and cognitive abilities negatively. Sleep apnea sufferers have a higher risk of fatal auto accidents from sleep deprivation.
Alcohol and Sleep Apnea
Alcohol and sleep apnea are a bad mix. Your favorite adult beverage can worsen snoring and sleep apnea episodes. Although it may help you fall asleep at night, it can affect the way you breathe. Alcohol relaxes your muscles, including those in your upper airway. As a result, it can cause loud snoring, gasping for air, snorting sounds, and pauses in breathing. Studies have found that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption can cause OSA events, even in people who don’t have the condition. Heavy alcohol use can increase your risk of OSA, especially if you already snore.
Options for Treating Sleep Apnea
Healthcare professionals recommend avoiding alcohol for at least 4 to 6 hours before going to bed. It’s important to seek treatment for your sleep apnea. A CPAP machine is a traditional solution to stop breathing disruptions using pressurized air that’s delivered through a mask worn over the mouth or nose. An oral appliance is also an effective solution for mild-to-moderate sleep apnea. The custom-fit device trains your jaw and tongue to rest in more comfortable positions to keep your airway open.
Despite the health benefits of alcohol, it’s not worth the risks if you have sleep apnea. With the correct treatment and changes to your lifestyle, you can breathe better and sleep peacefully.
About Dr. Keane Fedosky
Dr. Fedosky earned his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry and has continued his education in various specialties, including sleep apnea therapy. He is a member of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (972) 544-0550.