Can Essential Oils Relieve Sleep Apnea?

Essential oils have become the go-to natural remedy for a wide range of health conditions. In some cases, they are quite effective. In other cases, though, they have little to no real benefits for people who are seeking relief from their symptoms. Can they serve as an effective part of your sleep apnea treatment in Melbourne? Yes! Although they cannot replace your conventional treatment from a medical professional, there are several essential oils that have been shown to promote relaxation and high-quality sleep. Let’s talk about a few that you might consider using.

Eucalyptus

Airway congestion due to a cold or allergies can worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Fortunately, eucalyptus has the ability to relieve some of that congestion. It is so effective that it is often used as a key ingredient in over-the-counter chest rubs that are designed to help people breathe easier.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and it can also play a role in clearing out the sinuses. Many people find that it reduces snoring and can address mild cases of sleep apnea.

Lavender

Lavender is famous for its ability to soothe anxiety. It even has mild sedative effects. These qualities may be especially valuable to sleep apnea sufferers who also struggle with insomnia. Best of all, research suggests that lavender can help people spend more time in the deeper stages of sleep, which is wonderful for sleep apnea patients because disruptions in their breathing usually shorten the amount of time they spend in deep sleep.

Chamomile

Chamomile has been valued for its sedative effects for generations. It may help you to fall asleep by binding with benzodiazepine receptors, which are partially responsible for helping the body to relax.

Bergamot

Bergamot may reduce heart rate and blood pressure, helping you to relax at night. It also helps to calm anxiety and stress for many people.

Getting the Most Out of Your Essential Oils

Some people use an essential oil diffuser to breathe in the soothing aromas of essential oils, while others apply the oils directly to their skin. Keep in mind that if you use topical application, you might have to mix some oils with a carrier agent to dilute them. Also, you might try different mixtures of essential oils. For example, one research study found that a mixture of thyme, lemon, lavender, and peppermint can reduce snoring by up to 82%.

Essential oils in Melbourne cannot take the place of your custom oral appliance or CPAP machine. However, they may promote high-quality sleep and become a valuable part of your nightly routine!

Meet the Dental Sleep Medicine Expert

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a dentist with more than a decade of experience in helping patients conquer sleep apnea via oral appliance therapy. If you would like to know how an oral appliance may be able to work alongside essential oils to help you enjoy the highest-quality sleep possible, you can visit any of our three conveniently located offices or call us at 321-313-5350.