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In recent years, studies have suggested that sleep apnea symptoms might be worsened by the onset of colder months. This is in part due to the fact that winter’s sleep-disrupting factors, including nighttime temperature changes, allergens, and a lack of natural light, can aggravate the symptoms of sleep apnea. However, other factors also come into play, and the increase in lead times imposed by snoring can detrimentally impact one’s health. Read on to learn about how changes in seasons might impact your sleep, and what to do about them.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that interrupts deep sleep, and therefore impacts restorative health processes. People with this condition experience frequent snoring, pauses in breathing, choking episodes, and insomnia symptoms. Over time, apnea can lead to a variety of medical issues, including heart disease and hypertension. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, as much as 22 million Americans may suffer from undiagnosed sleep apnea.

Seeking Professional Assistance

If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek the expertise of a medical professional. They will likely recommend that you undergo a sleep study to determine the severity of your condition, and to develop a suitable treatment plan. In some cases, specialized medical equipment, such as sleep apnea CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, may need to be used.

Seasonal Factors in Sleep Apnea

Named after the Greek goddess of darkness, winter brings more than cooler nighttime temperatures. For some people, allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust mites may be more prevalent inside, which could lead to increased congestion. When combined with temperature fluctuations, these environmental factors can have a negative impact on those already experiencing sleep apnea symptoms.

In addition, winter’s shorter daylight hours may mean that the body produces more melatonin, a hormone that induces tiredness. This hormone may contribute to more frequent snoring episodes, which can lead to periods of not receiving oxygen to the brain. If this happens frequently, the risk of experiencing medical conditions such as stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, and even death can increase.

Take Control of Your Sleep

For those experiencing increased sleep apnea symptoms, there are steps you can take to reduce these symptoms. In order to help alleviate nighttime congestion, patients may want to consider using a humidifier or air purifier. Establishing a regular bedtime routine is also important, and sticking to a consistent wakeup schedule will ensure that the body knows when to fall asleep and wake up.

Furthermore, doctors suggest the use of reliable sleep apnea treatment devices, such as CPAP machines, to ensure proper breathing. These devices uses a mask that is worn over the nose whilst sleeping, and delivers a steady flow of air to keep the airways open. These machines are adjustable to the patient’s required pressure, and they can reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.

Preventative Measures for a Good Night’s Sleep

Regardless if an individual experiences sleep apnea, there are still preventative steps for ensuring a quality night’s sleep in winter. Try to keep the bedroom at a consistent temperature that best suits your particular needs, and reduce the amount of light that is brought into the bedroom. It may also benefit individuals to buy a light box, which simulates natural light, in order to help regulate melatonin production. Further, try to avoid high-sugar and caffeinated foods and drinks in the evening, as these can disrupt sleep quality.

In conclusion, it’s important to keep an adequate amount of sleep beneficial to one’s overall wellbeing. However, sleep apnea symptoms must be taken into consideration, especially come wintertime. With a little planning and the use of CPAP machines, the negative impact of colder months on sleep can be reduced. And remember that simple changes to the bedroom environment and daily diet can go a long way in promoting a peaceful night’s sleep.