If you have sleep apnea, you may always be on the lookout for steps you can take to get more high-quality rest. Some people use sleeping pills to help them fall asleep faster, and they believe that the pills also help with high-quality sleep. But when it comes to sleep apnea, the truth is that sleeping pills are usually more of a foe than a friend. Why is that the case? This blog post explains.
The Risks of Sleeping Pills for Sleep Apnea Patients
One of the most common types of sleeping pills are known as benzodiazepines. Xanax, Ativan, and Valium all fall into this category. Over-the-counter sleeping pills tend to use different ingredients. For example, the active ingredient in some ZzzQuil products is diphenhydramine HCI.
These medications relax the body and can make falling asleep easier. However, for people with sleep apnea, they present significant risks. Benzodiazepines and diphenhydramine work by depressing the central nervous system, which can further relax the muscles in your throat. This effect can make your airway even more likely to collapse during the night, thereby worsening your sleep apnea symptoms.
As your airway closes more frequently or for longer periods, your blood oxygen levels can drop lower than usual. This situation not only disrupts your sleep but also puts extra strain on your heart and other organs. In severe cases, this increased risk can lead to serious complications, such as heart arrhythmias or even sudden death during sleep. You might also experience more intense daytime fatigue, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating, which can impact your overall quality of life. Because of these dangers, most sleep specialists advise against the use of popular sleep aids if you have sleep apnea.
What if You Struggle with Sleep Apnea and Insomnia?
You may feel frustrated if you have both sleep apnea and insomnia. The combination of these two conditions can make restful sleep seem impossible! While it may be tempting to seek relief with prescription or over-the-counter sleeping pills, you must consider safer and more effective approaches first.
For example, behavioral therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), have shown positive results for many individuals with co-occurring insomnia and sleep apnea. These therapies address the thoughts and habits that interfere with your sleep without introducing the risks associated with sedative medications. You could also try things like meditation and other relaxation techniques.
If your physician determines that medication is necessary, you should ask about options that do not come with a major risk of worsening your sleep apnea symptoms. In some cases, non-benzodiazepine medications or other targeted treatments might offer short-term help under careful supervision.
And, of course, you should not neglect your sleep apnea treatment. The use of a CPAP or oral appliance from a dentist can help to keep your airway open and contribute to high-quality sleep once you finally drift off.
Sleeping pills and sleep apnea do not mix! If you ever have any questions about which methods are safe to help you get more high-quality sleep, talk to a qualified medical provider.
Meet the Practice
SleepMed Solutions is a combined dental and medical clinic. We specialize in providing therapies that help patients conquer sleep apnea. For example, we can provide both CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy. If you have been struggling to get enough rest, we can advise you on your next steps. Contact our Greensboro office at 336-907-7773.