Sleep apnea (and poor sleep in general) affects millions of Americans. And right now, with the collective stress that we’re all experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic, good-quality sleep is more important than ever. It not only improves your mood and energy levels but is also critical for immune function and overall health. If you have sleep apnea in Columbus, or simply struggle to get a good night’s rest, this blog is for you. Keep reading for 4 great tips to get the sleep you need to stay happy and healthy!
1. Move More Throughout the Day
Exercise has long been recognized as a great way to naturally induce sleepiness. In the same way it’s easier to get a child to sleep if they’ve been active, an adult’s sleep will be much better if they move more throughout the day.
And you don’t have to spend hours in the gym to reap the benefits. A simple 30 to 60-minute walk, gardening, or playing a game of basketball with friends will make a big difference.
2. Stop Using Your Devices at Least 90 Minutes Before Bedtime
TV’s, tablets, phones, and laptops all emit blue light that impacts your ability to sleep at night. It’s the same type of light you’re exposed to on a sunny day, which creates the feeling of being awake and energetic. It also alters the chemicals in the brain and hormones that you need to both fall and stay asleep.
While blue light blocking glasses can help, it’s better to avoid these devices altogether. Instead, you can read a book, clean the house, take a bath, cook, or chat with friends or family before it’s time for bed.
3. Maintain a Good Sleep Schedule
Your body’s circadian rhythm is hugely important to your ability to sleep, so it’s helpful to try going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time each day. And while some people benefit from the occasional nap (or even a daily nap), others find that it disrupts their sleep later that night. If you’re in the latter group, try to resist the urge to snooze in the middle of the day.
While that can be particularly challenging if you’re home from work or school during quarantine, it’s well worth it in terms of getting a better night’s sleep.
4. Get Treatment For Existing Sleep Disorders Like Sleep Apnea
Sleep disorders like sleep apnea affect an estimated 1 in 4 Americans, but many people aren’t aware that they have it. And since it can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health, it’s even more important than usual to be tested during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you do get a sleep apnea diagnosis, or already know that you have it, treatment is essential to help you get better sleep. This not only reduces your risk of serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes but, as mentioned before, improves your immune function as well. Not to mention that quality sleep is a must for your mood and ability to cope with stress.
And keep in mind that sleep apnea treatment is easier than you think and may be as simple as getting a custom-made oral appliance from a sleep dentist.
Sleep is critical to your well-being, especially now during the pandemic. By taking these 4 simple steps to getting good rest each night, you’ll be better able to weather the storm and maintain both your physical and mental health.
About the Author
As a family dentist, Dr. Eric Buck specializes in sleep apnea treatment and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He firmly believes in the importance of a good night’s sleep and provides multiple treatment options to improve his patients’ overall health and well-being. If you’d like more tips for getting good-quality rest during the pandemic or have any questions, he can be contacted via his website.