How Exercise Can Improve Sleep Apnea

Do you wake up still feeling tired after a night’s sleep due to your sleep apnea? Even if you are undergoing treatment for your condition, you may still not be getting complete ease and restoration. The good news is that moving your body during the day may help it rest at night! Recent studies have found that regular exercise can lead to better sleep and reduce symptoms of sleep apnea. Read on to learn more about the connection between exercise and sleep apnea.

First Things First: What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that occurs while sleeping. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnea, in which the soft tissues of the mouth or tongue collapse and cause an obstruction in the airway. It is marked by frequent breathing disruptions, which interrupt the sleep cycle. While you may not be aware of these brief awakenings during the night, your health can begin to suffer with issues like mood changes, memory loss, and fatigue.

Unfortunately, the possible complications don’t end there and can be even more serious.  Every time you stop breathing during the night, your body becomes depleted of oxygen. This puts tremendous strain on every system of your body, especially your heart. There is an increased risk of developing life-threatening health issues, like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

The Link Between Exercise and Sleep Apnea

It’s commonly known that being physically active can help control your weight. However, it can also help with your quality of sleep. Various studies have revealed that people who exercise sleep better than those who don’t, even if there is no weight reduction. A study of 43 inactive adults with sleep apnea found that at least 30 minutes of brisk walking done four times a week improved their sleep quality. There was also an improvement in mood and overall functioning. Additionally, researchers have discovered that brisk walking or weight training can improve sleep apnea symptoms by 25%.

Regularly moving your body is also a natural way to control blood pressure, which is particularly beneficial if you suffer from sleep apnea since it is linked to several cardiovascular issues. The combination of exercise and possible weight loss can significantly reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

How Can Your Dentist Help?

While exercise has been proven to help manage sleep apnea, it is only one piece of the sleep disorder puzzle. Your dentist can offer various treatments, such as a CPAP machine. By providing a steady stream of air pressure through a mask worn over the mouth, your sleeping disruptions can be significantly decreased.

However, sometimes CPAP is not suited for everyone. As an alternative, there is oral appliance therapy. Wearing a custom-made device while you sleep places your tongue and jaw in more comfortable positions in order to keep the airway open.

If you have sleep apnea, there are many treatment options for you! With some exercise and help from your dentist, a peaceful and healthy night’s sleep is not too far away.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah Romack and her team at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine are eager to help you get better sleep by tending to your oral health. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Baylor College of Dentistry, graduating with honors. Additionally, she has completed numerous continuing education courses about sleep breathing discords. With the latest in knowledge, technology, and equipment, Dr. Romack offers a full range of dental sleep services. To schedule an appointment, contact her through her website or call (817) 594-3806.