6 evening habits that make sleep apnea worse

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is interrupted many times, each lasting more than 10 seconds, because the airway is blocked or the brain does not send signals to control breathing. Some of the evening habits below can make this condition worse.

Drink alcohol before bed

Theo Verywell Healthif you drink alcohol before bed, alcohol causes the muscles in the throat to relax, the tongue and soft tissues at the back of the throat to easily sag, narrow or temporarily block the airway. People who drink alcohol before bed are also likely to snore loudly and many times during the night.

Dinner is too full, eats late

A dinner that is too full and high in fat can cause bloating, increase the risk of reflux when lying down, cause throat discomfort, cough and disrupt sleep. Eating a lot at night often also easily leads to weight gain. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for sleep apnea, as fat accumulation around the neck and throat can narrow the airways.

Lie on your back

When lying on your back, the tongue and soft tissue in the throat easily fall back, narrowing the airway and hindering air circulation. If symptoms are worse in this position, the patient can try lying on their side. However, this is only a supportive measure, not a substitute for examination and treatment, according to Times of India.

Arbitrarily using sleeping pills or sedatives

For people with sleep apnea, you should not arbitrarily use sleeping pills or sedatives because they can make the respiratory condition more serious. People who are taking medication as prescribed should not stop on their own but should talk to a doctor to assess the impact on sleep and breathing.

Stay up late

People with sleep apnea often wake up many times during the night. Staying up late and not getting enough sleep can cause fatigue, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating during the day. This habit is also easily accompanied by eating at night, drinking alcohol or caffeine, further affecting sleep quality. Maintaining a stable bedtime and getting enough sleep helps improve this condition.