Is Napping Bad for You If You Have Sleep Apnea?

If you have sleep apnea, it’s likely that you feel pretty exhausted throughout the day. In fact, daytime sleepiness is one of the most common warning signs of this sleep condition! It may seem pretty tempting to take a nap to catch up on your sleep, but experts say don’t do it! Napping could be problematic for people who are already struggling to get quality sleep at night, and could potentially even make you more tired. Read on as we go over why you may want to consider avoiding naps, especially if you have sleep apnea.

The Downsides & Drawbacks of Napping

While it may seem like an excellent idea while you’re tired, napping probably isn’t as helpful as you think. In fact, there are a variety of downsides to consider, like:

• You can’t really “catch up” on sleep: If you only sleep for 4 hours one night, sleeping for 2 or three more hours in the day won’t help you feel like you’ve caught up on your sleep.
• Napping can make it more difficult to sleep: Even though you’re tired, napping in the daytime can throw off your sleep schedule. You probably already know that if you sleep too much during the day, it becomes harder to sleep at night, which means you’re less likely to reach the restorative stages of sleep and are more likely to be tired the following day.
• You can regain alertness and energy, but not always: Some people can wake up feeling refreshed and restored from a nap, but studies suggest that this may be less likely to happen for people who have sleep apnea.

Resting with Sleep Apnea without Napping

Overall, it’s not recommended for those with sleep apnea to take naps. If you are feeling unbearably tired and absolutely need to take a nap, make sure that you do so with your prescribed sleep apnea oral appliance or CPAP therapy. If you don’t, you’ll continue to suffer the consequences of sleep apnea as you nap and you’ll minimize your chances of any positive benefits.

If you’re struggling with daytime sleepiness because of your sleep apnea, reach out to your doctor or dentist. They will be able to give you personalized advice on how to continue your sleep apnea treatment and improve your quality of life. Some of the tips they may recommend include:

• Sleep on your side and avoid sleeping on your stomach or back.
• Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks within a few hours of going to bed.
• Use a humidifier close to your bed as you sleep to soothe your respiratory system.

Dealing with the daily side effects of sleep apnea can be exhausting, but just remember—you’re not alone. Talk to your specially trained dentist in Rowley for guidance and assistance for overcoming your sleep disorder.

About the Practice

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair, DMD is dedicating to helping the families of Rowley and the surrounding communities enjoy happy, healthy smiles for life. He has a special place in his heart for patients struggling with sleep apnea and sleep disordered breathing, which is why he is currently working on his board certification with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He’s proud to offer oral appliance therapy to help his patients regain their quality of life and get a good night’s rest without the need for a CPAP appliance. If you have questions about sleep apnea, he can be contacted online or at (978) 948-2030.