How Sleep Apnea and Your Diet in Marysville are Linked

There are a million and one reasons why people don’t sleep at night. Perhaps you were up with a baby or your toddler wasn’t feeling well. A big presentation the next day at work can keep you up with worry. The problem could be your computer, television, tablet or cell phone, too. Of course, there’s always the possibility of sleep apnea. But did you ever think that nutrition could play a key role in helping you sleep well? It’s true. Moreover, if you do have sleep apnea and it’s not being treated, then your diet in Marysville can lead to serious trouble sleeping at night. Read on for some ideas what you can do to get your zzz’s.

Monitor Caffeine

If you need a shot of caffeine to get you going in the morning, that is usually fine. However, caffeine later in the day can make it difficult to fall asleep at night. Even worse, people with untreated sleep apnea may be tempted to drink caffeinated beverages throughout the day because they feel fatigued or drowsy.

To fall asleep more easily, it is best not to have caffeine after noon, because your body needs at least four to six hours to eliminate it. 

Watch Your Weight

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that nearly 40 percent of Americans are affected by obesity. And the leading preventable cause of obstructive sleep apnea is obesity. Excess fatty tissue around the neck and throat can lead to a blocked airway during sleep, which causes sleep apnea symptoms to become worse. 

Therefore, weight control is an essential part of managing sleep apnea. Some ways to lower that number you see on the scale include:

• Regular exercise
• Limit your intake of sugar and carbohydrates
• Drink plenty of water
• Control food portions at meals
• Eat healthy snacks like fresh fruit and vegetables between meals

If you practice healthy eating but still seem to gain weight, then see your family physician. The cause may be something other than eating and lifestyle habits. 

Curb Alcoholic Drinking

A drink in the evening after work can be relaxing at first. So while you may be able to fall asleep faster, the sedative effects of alcohol increase the likelihood that muscles in your throat will relax a bit too much and block your airway. Even people that do not have sleep apnea often snore at night if they’ve recently had a drink. 

Try not to drink alcohol within an hour or so before going to sleep. When possible, have a drink with a meal, because food limits the effect of the alcohol somewhat. 

If you have trouble sleeping at night, or if you have noticed that you are unusually drowsy during the day despite following these tips, then make an appointment with your doctor to get a diagnosis of sleep apnea. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, visit our dentist to discuss treatment for sleep apnea in Marysville. A comfortable oral appliance combined with healthy diet and lifestyle practices may be just what the doctor orders to ensure that you have a good night’s sleep.

Meet the Doctor

At Allen Creek Family Dentistry, we offer sleep apnea therapy along with the preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry necessary for beautiful smiles and healthy bodies. Be aware of the consequences of sleep apnea and how healthy eating and living habits can help you sleep well at night. If you can never seem to get enough sleep or constantly snore, it could be sleep apnea. Call our office today to schedule a visit.