As you’d expect, sleep apnea prevents restful nights. The condition keeps you from sleeping deeply and leaves you exhausted. That said, many sleep medicines won’t fix this problem. Pills meant to help you snooze can actually make sleep apnea worse. So, you ought to see a sleep specialist for a quality solution. If you want more details, we’ll happily explain. Here’s a summary of how sleeping pills affect sleep apnea, including why you should see a specialist.
Context: What are Sleeping Pills?
Per their name, sleeping pills are medicines that promote sleep. They’re often used by those with insomnia and other sleep issues. By taking the right dosage, a patient may fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Typically, sleeping pills aren’t hard to obtain. Adults can buy over-the-counter versions at a store. Some people also take melatonin or valerian supplements for sleep. Still, prescription sleeping pills are an exception. Stronger than store-bought types, they can only be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Given these facts, many assume sleeping pills fix sleep apnea. The idea is that they fight the apnea’s symptoms. From there, you’ll get a full night’s rest and wake up with energy.
How Do They Affect Sleep Apnea?
To be honest, sleeping pills worsen sleep apnea. They upset the condition and lead to even poorer sleep quality.
You see, sleeping pills greatly relax your muscles. This effect is dangerous when you already have sleep apnea. After all, the relaxation of your airway could block airflow. Should that happen, you’ll struggle more to breathe. You’d then suffer more intense apnea symptoms – loud snoring, breathing stoppages, etc.
What’s a Better Solution?
Rather than take pills, treat your sleep apnea with a sleep specialist. They’ll learn the ailment’s core cause and provide a suitable therapy.
Remember, most sleep specialists offer sleep testing. The latter assesses you while asleep to discern the source of your bedtime trouble. Based on the collected data, it’ll confirm whether you have sleep apnea or some other disorder.
To treat your sleep apnea, a specialist may provide one of several choices. The first is CPAP therapy, in which a machine helps you breathe while asleep. Choice two is oral appliance therapy – a treatment that uses an orthotic device to shift your airway. With either option, you’d sleep well in no time.
Ultimately, sleeping pills affect sleep apnea poorly. That being the case, see your local sleep specialist for a good night’s rest!
About the Practice
Star Sleep & Wellness in Denton is based in Denton, TX. Led by its fantastic team, our practice helps every patient get a good night’s rest. We thus offer sleep disorder assessments, sleep testing, and treatments for sleep apnea. Most notably, our staff provide excellent oral appliance therapy and CPAP therapy. That means excellent sleep is just a visit away! For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or call us at (469)-772-6721.