Every night, millions of people miss out on countless hours of sleep due to sleep apnea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep that’s often marked by chronic snoring, among other symptoms. But lost sleep isn’t the only thing that sleep apnea can lead to—if left untreated, severe health complications can arise. However, when looking at all of the factors that contribute to sleep apnea, one element that’s often overlooked is temperature. Here’s more about how different temperature conditions can impact sleep apnea and some tips for maintaining a comfortable bedroom environment.
The Relationship Between Temperature and Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a very common condition—roughly one in fifteen adults are affected by it! Part of the condition’s prevalence is due to the many factors that are associated with it. Since the condition is often the result of an obstruction in the airway, lifestyle factors such as weight but also things like physical anatomy contribute to it.
However, other things can contribute to sleep disruption, including the temperature of the room! During times of extreme heat and/or humidity, for instance, it’s much more difficult to breathe for those with lung conditions like asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or sleep apnea. Your body’s temperature also fluctuates during the day based on your circadian rhythm, and heat exposure can also impact deep sleep and REM sleep, so figuring out what works for you when it’s time for bed will encourage quality rest.
Advice for Managing a Comfortable Bedroom Environment
The ideal temperature to set your bedroom thermostat to is around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to research. However, personal factors such as the type of bedding you use or clothing that you wear to bed can also contribute.
Additionally, you should try to limit the number of distractions that occur around bedtime and ensure that your bedroom is free of pet hair, dandruff, and other allergens that might impact breathing. If you can seek professional sleep apnea treatment, the condition can easily be managed with the help of oral appliances or a CPAP machine.
Although temperature isn’t necessarily the sole cause of sleep apnea, it’s worth noting the influence that it can have on sleep disruption. By maintaining a comfortable sleep environment and eliminating potential disruptions, you can potentially alleviate your sleep apnea symptoms and promote a better night’s sleep.
About the Practice
The team at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry proudly provides patients and families in the Ponte Vedra Beach area with an exceptional level of care. They offer a wide range of services including sleep apnea therapy that can help you get back to getting quality rest. If you have any questions about sleep apnea or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (904) 567-0102.