Managing Sleep Apnea on Halloween: 4 Useful Tips

Sleep apnea makes it very difficult to get a good night’s rest, which is why you need to be careful about taking the right steps to keep it under control. This is especially important on Halloween, which is a time when it can be all too easy to make choices that end up having a negative impact on your slumber. Be sure to follow these 4 tips so that you can enjoy Halloween while also managing your sleep apnea.

1. Go Easy on the Sugar

Children and adults alike often find themselves enjoying more sugary treats than they normally do both on and after Halloween. However, overindulging on sugar can lead to weight gain, which can make sleep apnea symptoms even more severe. You don’t have to avoid Halloween candy altogether, but you should make a point of eating it in moderation. It’s generally better to choose sugar-free snacks when possible.

2. Refrain from Drinking Right Before Bedtime

It’s not uncommon for people to enjoy alcoholic beverages as part of the Halloween festivities, but this isn’t a good choice for those who are already struggling with sleep apnea. Alcohol can have a relaxant effect on the muscles and tissues in your mouth or throat, making them more prone to collapsing and obstructing the airway while you’re asleep, thus resulting in more frequent and more severe sleep apnea episodes.

For the sake of the quality of your slumber, you should stay away from alcohol for a few hours before the time when you would normally fall asleep.

3. Stick to Your Normal Sleep Routine as Closely as Possible

Plenty of people stay up later than usual on Halloween night to go to parties, watch scary movies, or take their kids trick-or-treating. Missing your normal bedtime can end up throwing off your sleep schedule, which is one of the last things you want to do when you have sleep apnea. Thus, while you’re in the middle of your Halloween celebrations, you should keep an eye on the clock to ensure that you don’t miss your normal bedtime.

4. Use Your Sleep Apnea Treatment No Matter What

There’s no such thing as a holiday from sleep apnea. Regardless of whether it’s Halloween or just another night of the year, you shouldn’t fall asleep without using your normal form of sleep apnea treatment, whether it’s a CPAP machine or a personalized oral appliance.

Everyone deserves a good night’s rest. Make sure you follow the steps outlined above so that you can control your sleep apnea on Halloween while also giving yourself the chance to have plenty of fun.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and is also associated with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. His practice, Florida Dental Sleep Disorders – which has locations in Melbourne, Vero Beach, and Boca Raton – provides personalized oral appliances for sleep apnea treatment. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mogell, visit his website or call (844) 686-0696.