Do You Have Summertime Sleep Apnea?

July 20, 2022

Summertime can be a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. However, summertime can also be challenging if you're one of the millions of people suffering from sleep apnea. Here's what you need to know about managing this disease in the summer.

Sleep Apnea Season

Symptoms can appear more potent than usual when the weather heats up. Warmer weather can trigger problems with the way your body regulates its temperature. When your body gets too warm, it can cause the airway muscles to relax more than they should. When this happens, it is more likely for your airway to collapse during sleep, which leads to snoring and interrupted breathing. Symptoms can include:

  • Snoring
  • Restless sleep
  • Daytime fatigue

Summertime Tips

If you think you may be affected by summertime sleep apnea, there are a few things you can do to help manage your symptoms in the summer:

  • Stay cool: Make sure you have a good fan or air conditioner in your bedroom to keep the temperature down at night.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids during the day and avoid alcohol before bedtime, as dehydration can worsen symptoms.
  • Avoid triggers: If you know that certain activities, such as smoking or eating a big meal before bed, make your sleep apnea worse, try to avoid them in the summer.
  • Get enough sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep during the summer months. Consider taking a nap during the day if you are feeling tired.

Find Out If You Have Sleep Apnea

If you notice that you're snoring more often or louder than usual, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. You may also notice that you wake up gasping for air or have a headache. Other symptoms include daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating, and moodiness. If you have any of these symptoms, it may be time to get tested.

Get Treated Today

Dr. Firouzi dedicates himself to providing excellent cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry services to his patients in the Pittsburgh area. His team provides a wide variety of services, including TMJ disorder treatment relating to sleep apnea. To receive treatment now, contact us at (412) 274-1126.