Sleep Apnea Is Exhausting; Can Essential Oils Help?

Sleep apnea is a frustrating medical condition that can considerably reduce a patient’s quality of life by causing them to wake up a hundred times or more in a single night. Fortunately, there are a number of excellent measures you can take at home to reduce your symptoms and enjoy better rest. Here’s some important information about how essential oils may help you get better shuteye and how your sleep dentist can bring you lasting relief.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition characterized by the patient’s airway becoming restricted as the body relaxes during sleep. This often happens as the muscles around the throat lose tension as the sleeper begins to doze off. These tissues can weigh heavily on the windpipe, which can cut off the patient’s air supply and cause them to wake up suddenly and short of breath. This is sometimes accompanied by dreams of smothering, and frequently waking in this manner can be quite stressful to your cardiovascular system.

Can Essential Oils Relieve My Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

Essential oils are derived from aromatic plants, and many people use them as a natural remedy for a number of health issues. While further research is needed to properly determine if these methods are effective, some sleep apnea patients report that lavender oil can make it much easier to rest at night. This may be because its pleasant scent helps the body release endorphins and serotonin, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

How Can My Sleep Dentist Help?

Your sleep dentist may be able to relieve your sleep apnea symptoms through oral appliance therapy. This technique uses a specialized device to hold your jaw in a slightly open position that makes it easier for your airway to stay  clear during sleep. While this is an incredibly effective treatment for many patients, it may be necessary to use an oral appliance with a CPAP machine in some cases. CPAP machines use pressurized air to ensure that a patient receives sufficient oxygen during sleep.

Your sleep dentist may also recommend lifestyle changes such as exercising more so your body can learn to breathe more efficiently or not drinking alcohol during the hours before bed. Consulting with them can help you find the best ways to get consistently excellent slumber.

About the Author

Dr. Robert Dernick earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1979 and opened his first practice in the Woodlands in 1980. He is proud to provide safe, effective, and non-invasive sleep apnea treatments to his community. His office offers sleep-apnea testing, oral appliance therapy, and combined therapy. To learn more about treating sleep apnea, contact his office online or dial (281) 783-3419.