It is said that we spend a third of our lives sleeping, but do you know what happens to your body while you’re asleep? Most people don’t know the answer to this question, but it’s important to know what’s going on with your body – even when it’s at rest! One thing you may not realize you’re doing is sleeping with your mouth open. This bad habit can bring a variety of health complications.
Here, Dr. Mingus explains the headache-inducing side effect of sleeping with your mouth open.
What Happens When You Sleep with Your Mouth Open?
When you sleep, your body undergoes several changes. Your muscles relax and blood flow slows down, allowing for healing and regeneration. However, if you sleep with your mouth open, the soft palate muscles in the back of your throat may begin to relax, which can cause the airway to collapse. This can lead to snoring, difficulty breathing, and even sleep apnea.
How Does Sleeping with Your Mouth Open Cause Headaches?
One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is morning headaches. These headaches are often caused by a lack of oxygen during sleep, which leads to an increase in carbon dioxide levels. If you are regularly sleeping with your mouth open, it can lead to an increase in carbon dioxide levels, which can cause a headache.
What Can You Do About It?
If you are experiencing morning headaches, it’s important to talk to Dr. Mingus to get a proper diagnosis. You may need to undergo a sleep study to determine if you’re dealing with sleep apnea. Additionally, you can try the following tips to help prevent sleeping with your mouth open:
1. Keep Your Nasal Passages Clear
Air flows more easily through your nose than your mouth, so it’s important to keep your nasal passages clear. You can do this by using a saline nasal spray or a nasal decongestant. Additionally, you can try using a neti pot or a nasal rinse to help clear out any mucus or allergens.
2. Practice Proper Sleep Positioning
If you’re sleeping on your back, it can cause your jaw and tongue to fall backward, which can cause your mouth to open. To help prevent this, try sleeping on your side or stomach. You can also use a pillow to help keep your head and neck aligned.
3. Keep Your Mouth Closed
If you find yourself sleeping with your mouth open (or your partner tells you you’re doing it), try to keep your mouth closed as much as possible. You can do this by reminding yourself throughout the day to close your mouth. Additionally, there are special mouth tape products available that can help keep your mouth shut while you sleep.
The Bottom Line
If you are experiencing morning headaches, it could be due to sleeping with your mouth open. This can lead to an increase in carbon dioxide levels, which can cause a headache. If this sounds like you or someone you love, try the tips above and call Dr. Mingus’ office to make an appointment and get a proper diagnosis.
