{"id":192,"date":"2022-10-07T01:54:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T01:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.calimesadentist.net\/blog\/?p=192"},"modified":"2022-11-07T01:54:47","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T01:54:47","slug":"are-alcohol-and-sleep-apnea-connected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.calimesadentist.net\/blog\/2022\/10\/07\/are-alcohol-and-sleep-apnea-connected\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Connection Between Alcohol and Sleep Apnea?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"GlassIf you’re battling daytime fatigue because you\u2019re struggling to fall asleep, a shot of whiskey before bed can help you doze off. Maybe you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner to unwind after a long day? Unfortunately, if you\u2019re not getting the rest you need, alcohol may be the cause of your tossing and turning. Alcohol consumption has been found to induce sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, which can cause you to stop breathing. Here\u2019s what you need to know before pouring your favorite adult beverage.<\/p>\n

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What is Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the Sleep Foundation, up to 30% of adults have obstructive sleep apnea<\/a>, however, as many as 80% of cases aren\u2019t diagnosed. The disorder causes frequent disruptions in breathing throughout the night from an obstruction in the upper airway. When the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or tongue collapse, you can stop breathing for up to one minute with each event. Not only does this deplete your body of oxygen, but it also affects your sleep quality. Every time you stop breathing, your brain will jolt you awake, interrupting your sleep cycle. Without treatment, sleep apnea can cause several complications that can affect your physical and mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcohol Increases Sleep Apnea Disturbances<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to be diagnosed with sleep apnea to suffer from the harmful effects of alcohol. Several studies have found that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption can cause episodes of obstructive sleep apnea, even in people who don\u2019t have the condition. Not to mention, alcohol can prolong the time it takes to resume normal breathing patterns. If your blood\u2019s oxygen levels drop too much, it can increase carbon dioxide in the body. The condition is called hypercapnia and can be fatal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcohol causes your breathing to become slower and shallower, allowing the muscles in your mouth and throat to relax. This makes it more likely your upper airway will collapse, which can cause both snoring and an obstruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sleep apnea can cause a variety of symptoms that are often overlooked. The most common signs of sleep apnea include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n