New Year, New You: Improve Your Sleep in 2022

What would you like to accomplish in 2022? Many people are setting resolutions to improve their fitness, adopt better spending habits, or move forward in their career. Regardless of what you would like to achieve, you will be more likely to succeed if you are well-rested. That’s why getting better sleep is a worthwhile resolution for the new year. Let’s talk how sleep apnea might stop you from reaching that goal and how you can cope with it.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

There are a few different types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It occurs when tissues in the throat block the free flow of air, leading to pauses in breathing, snoring, daytime exhaustion, and a range of other symptoms. Left untreated, OSA can even contribute to problems like depression, anxiety, dementia, heart attack, and stroke.

Conquer Sleep Apnea for Better Rest in 2022

Here are a few steps you can take to facilitate better breathing while you sleep:

Seek Diagnosis and Treatment

Professional treatment is the best way to stop OSA in its tracks. Many people use a CPAP machine, but the machines tend to be noisy and uncomfortable. A custom oral appliance from a dentist is a more convenient and portable solution for most patients.

Lose Weight

Countless people have already set weight loss as a goal for 2022. If you work to shed some extra pounds, there is a good chance that your nighttime breathing will improve as a result. That’s because as the amount of excess fat around your neck diminishes, it will be easier for your airway to stay open.

Cut Back on Alcohol

Do you plan to participate in Dry January? If you do, you might find that you feel more rested every morning. Alcohol relaxes the muscles throughout the body and can contribute to airway collapse. Of course, there is nothing wrong with enjoying an occasional drink. If you do drink, however, you should stop at least a few hours before bedtime.

Stick to a Regular Bedtime

Going to bed at the same time each night can help you make sure you get the 7 – 8 hours of sleep you need to feel your best. If you struggle to go to sleep at a reasonable hour, you might try setting reminders on your phone for when you want to get ready for bed.

Quit Smoking

Among its many other adverse consequences, smoking irritates the tissues in the throat and can cause swelling and inflammation that contribute to airway collapse. Yes, kicking the habit is difficult, but all of your efforts will reward you with better sleep and improved overall health!

2022 is full of potential, and so are you! Working to get better sleep in the new year can contribute to your success in virtually all aspects of life.

Meet Dr. Mogell

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is an experienced dentist who has spent more than a decade mastering the intricacies of sleep medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. If you would like to learn more about how you can overcome OSA, he would be happy to speak with you. Contact any of our three locations or call us at 321-265-3462.