Do you or a loved one often wake up in the morning feeling more drained than when you fell asleep the night before? If so, you might have sleep apnea, which affects the body’s ability to fall and stay asleep. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and increased risk of stroke.
It’s natural to want to minimize symptoms, but if you’re scrolling on your smartphone before bed, you might be making things worse. Continue reading to learn more about how you can get a quality night’s rest!
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea refers to a condition in which your breathing frequently stops and restarts throughout the night, interrupting the natural circadian rhythms that are necessary for true recovery and rejuvenation. There are 3 types, outlined in more detail below:
- Obstructive sleep apnea happens when there is a physical obstruction, such as jawbone misalignment or excessive throat tissues, that blocks your airways while you snooze. This kind is most commonly diagnosed.
- Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send the right signals to properly manage breathing patterns overnight.
- Complex sleep apnea can involve both other types, or one might lead to another.
Does Cell Phone Usage Impact Sleep Apnea?
Did you know that cell phones, digital tablets, and other back-lit electronics today emit a short-wavelength-enriched light known as blue light? It mimics sunshine, which suppresses your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that manages your sleep-wake cycles. This biochemical signal tells your body when it’s time to wind down, rest, and wake up. That means exposure to blue light before bed, like scrolling social media on your phone, might rob you of your ability to dream.
Plus, if you’re on your device, you might feel tempted to check your email one last time, read the news, or view other content that engages your brain and keeps it awake.
How Can I Fall Asleep More Easily At Night?
One simple way to improve your rest is to turn off your devices about an hour before bedtime, which allows for more regulated melatonin production. If you enjoy reading before bed, try a physical book or magazine with a lamp instead.
A consistent routine can also help train your body to unwind after a long day. For example, turning off the lights, listening to soothing music, or taking a warm bath can help calm your system so it’s easier to drift off at night.
You can also contact a qualified sleep dentist to help diagnose and assess a potential disorder and develop a customized treatment plan to help give you more peaceful rest.
About the Practice
Patients at Charm Smile Dental benefit from two dentists with decades of combined experience. Dr. Homsi, a Fellow with the Academy of General Dentistry, and Dr. Hudson, an award-winning provider, collaborate to offer a complete menu of services, including sleep apnea treatment, under one roof. Their compassionate approach, paired with advanced technology, leads to customized services for more comfortable, accurate, and long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (603) 228-0123.