Sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interactive breathing during sleep, affects millions of people worldwide—and unfortunately, many more cases remain completely undiagnosed! While various factors contribute to its occurrence, emerging research suggests that temperature also plays a pivotal role in exacerbating and/or alleviating its symptoms. Keep reading below to learn a little more about sleep apnea and how it can be influenced by the temperature of your bedroom, along with some tips for maintaining the perfect sleeping environment!
How Does Temperature Influence Sleep Apnea?
To understand how sleep apnea is influenced by temperature, you must first understand how the condition manifests and what it is capable of doing. Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. This obstruction in the airway is caused by certain lifestyle factors such as weight, as well as physical anatomy, however, many other things can also play a role such as the temperature of your bedroom!
If you’ve ever struggled to fall asleep due to feeling too hot, you’re far from alone—during times of extreme heat or humidity, as well as when your body temperature is high due to fever, it’s tougher to breathe, especially for those with asthma or other lung conditions. Your body’s temperature also fluctuates during the day based on your circadian rhythm, or your regular sleep cycle, and heat exposure can also impact REM sleep.
Tips for Keeping Your Bedroom Environment an Ideal Temperature
According to research, both science-based and anecdotal, the ideal temperature for sleeping is between 60 to 70 degrees—and it’s recommended to set your thermostat somewhere in that range before hitting the hay. In any case, here are some tips that can help you regulate your bedroom’s temperature to create an environment suitable for sleep:
- Try to limit the number of distractions that occur around bedtime, such as loud noises or unexpected guests. Even the blue light from televisions and digital screens can prove problematic, so power off your devices!
- Wear cool, breathable clothing and use appropriate bedding for the time of year; in the summer, use lighter blankets instead of that thick winter quilt!
- Clear your sleeping space of dust, dandruff, and other allergens that might make it difficult to breathe. If you have pets, consider having them sleep in another room if their hair is causing sinus or breathing issues.
In addition to establishing a suitable bedroom environment, you’ll want to avoid habits that might disrupt your sleep such as late-night snacking, smoking, or drinking (alcohol). All of that said, though, it’s always going to be in your best interest to receive professional treatment for your sleep apnea—so if you suspect you’re losing precious rest due to the condition, don’t wait to talk with a specialist today!
About the Practice
The talented team at Seahurst Park Dentistry of Burien has proudly served patients and families in the Burien, WA community for several years, and they look forward to assisting you and your loved ones. They’re proud to offer a wide range of sleep apnea treatments that are certain to help you achieve the high-quality rest you need. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or by telephone: (206) 244-4622.
