Smoking And Sleep Apnea

For years, we have learned about the harm smoking can cause to your overall health. There seems to be an endless number of complications and diseases caused as a side effect from smoking and tobacco use. People can experience issues such as cancer, heart disease, lung diseases, breathing issues, and problems with the immune system. Smokers are also more likely to experience sleep apnea and severe symptoms caused by sleep apnea.

Reasons Smoking Increases the Risk of Sleep Apnea

There can be a number of reasons smoking can lead to sleep apnea. Smoke from tobacco causes the airway to become inflamed, making the passageway for oxygen flow much smaller. It can also lead to an increase in mucus in the airways, causing a cough and difficulty breathing. It resembles the symptoms someone with asthma may experience. This leads to breathing issues through the night, causing sleep apnea to develop in many smokers. Smokers are also more likely to be loud snorers.

Secondhand Smoke

You may be surprised to learn that your smoking habits may be affecting your loved ones who live with you. Secondhand smoke can not only affect your sleeping partner, but the children in the home as well. Non-smokers who live with a smoker have a greater likelihood of experiencing the same sleeping issues that smokers experience. This can include daytime sleepiness, irritability and concentration issues.

Quit Smoking

We know it is easier said than done to quit smoking, but it can make a huge difference in the state of both your quality of sleep as well as your overall health. Unfortunately, quitting smoking alone will not cure your sleep apnea condition. We applaud patients who take the initiative to quit smoking, but we encourage patients to continue the treatment plan we devise.

If you have any questions about smoking and sleep apnea, we would love to help. Be sure to contact our office located in Auburn & Silverdale, WA to schedule an appointment or speak to one of our team members.