Did you know our bedtime habits could impact the risk of developing sleep apnea and other serious sleep disorders? What we eat, when we go to sleep, and even the position we rest in all increase or decrease the likelihood of apneic episodes. Let’s look at what our Pearland, TX, patients can to enjoy a better night’s rest.
Getting Ready for Bed
In the two hours before bed, try to avoid:
- Large meals
- Vigorous exercise
- Caffeinated beverages
These factors could prevent you from going to sleep on time and staying asleep. We also suggest avoiding alcohol. While alcoholic beverages may make you feel sleepy, you may wake up in the night or experience an apneic episode as the tissues in your throat and the back of your mouth become too relaxed. In addition, don’t take your smartphone to bed, as the blue light the device emits tricks your brain into thinking its daylight, leading to trouble falling asleep. In fact, your bedroom should be a dark, cool, and screen-free area, no TV, computer, or smartphone!
Your Sleep Habits
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule eventually trains your body to fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer. You should go to bed and wake up each day at the same times, even on weekends and holidays.
Signs You Need Help
How do you know if you already have a disorder requiring treatment? Well, you need to be aware of the common sleep apnea warning signs, such as chronic snoring, headaches, dry mouth, moodiness, and episodes of waking up gasping for air and/or choking. Other indicators may include trouble staying awake behind the wheel, daytime drowsiness, and difficulty focusing on tasks at work or school. If one or more of these signs applies to your life, then contact our team for diagnosis. Using a comfortable at-home sleep test, we can see if you require treatment.
Do You Have Questions About Proper Sleep Habits?
We want to help you avoid the onset of sleep apnea and enjoy a good night’s rest. To learn more, call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
