Tips For Getting Through The Holidays With Sleep Apnea
Can you believe that the holiday season is almost upon us yet again? We don’t know about you, but it seems like it was just the start of 2021, and in a few short weeks it will be over. If you suffer from sleep apnea, we know that the holiday season, although exciting and enjoyable, can cause some disruptions to your treatment and make symptoms worse. We wanted to give some tips to help you manage your sleep apnea so you are able to get the most out of your holiday festivities.
Prepare for Travel
We know that many plans for the holidays were postponed or cancelled last year due to the effects of the pandemic, and we have heard from many of our patients that they are excited to resume their typical holiday celebrations. Whether you are traveling far, staying in a hotel, or spending the night with family, it is important to prepare anything you may need in advance. Be sure to pack any supplies or machinery you may need to help support your sleep apnea.
Avoid Triggering Foods and Drinks
Although the holidays are a time for celebration, it is important to be mindful of your diet and eat triggering foods in moderation. Be careful of foods high in fat content, dairy products, beverages with caffeine, and alcoholic beverages.
Avoid Stressful Situations
Seeing family and friends during the holiday season is a fun and magical time for many; however, not all experiences are warm and fuzzy. If you are in a situation that causes you discomfort or stress, it is best to remove yourself if possible. Increased stress will not help your sleep apnea.
Get Adequate Rest
The holiday season is filled with plenty of hustle and bustle, and it never seems like there are enough hours in the day. We want to stress to our patients that no matter how busy you are, it is important that you are getting enough rest and following your bedtime routine. Exhaustion and crazy sleep patterns will not help your body.
Please let us know if you feel you need extra support or have questions about managing your sleep apnea during the holiday season. If you are located in or near the Auburn & Silverdale, WA area we look forward to hearing from you soon.
