How to Enjoy a Well-Rested Holiday with Sleep Apnea

The holidays are stressful enough on their own, but if you’re not getting enough sleep, they can take an especially large toll on your well-being. If you’ve needed sleep apnea treatment in Northwest Oklahoma City recently, you might still be trying to get a handle on your sleep disorder, and you might run into problems if you have to travel around a lot during the season. The tips below can make it easier to get the rest you need throughout the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

1. Plan Your Tripes Carefully

Depending on where you’re planning to go during the holidays, you might have to make special considerations ahead of time. For example, if you’re visiting a family member who lives in a different time zone, you’ll need to figure out when is the best time for rest. If someone else is driving you, or if you’re traveling by plane, you might be able to make time for rest on the trip over!

2. Make Sure You’re Getting Plenty of Rest

Most adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. It’s important that you allow yourself enough time to get this much-needed rest even in the midst of attending parties and special events. If you’re driving to a relative’s home, it’s especially important for you to get as much rest as possible so that you don’t have to worry about the risks of drowsy driving. Be ready to take a break or change drivers if you start feeling tired while on the road.

3. Recreate Optimal Sleep Conditions Wherever You Go

Sleeping in a different environment can affect the quality of your rest, but you can take additional steps to make it easier to drift off. Bring your normal pillow with you wherever you go, and stick closely to your normal sleeping habits (such as going to bed at a certain time). You might also consider adjusting the temperature of the room or removing anything that glows in the dark; all of these factors can affect your ability to get enough sleep.

4. Always Bring Your Oral Appliance with You

If you’ve already been given an oral appliance for your sleep apnea, you’re probably well aware of the difference it can make. The main advantage of oral appliances over other forms of sleep apnea therapy is that they’re small and easy to bring with you, making easy to continue your therapy even when you travel far from home.

A good night’s rest will make the celebrations the next day all the more enjoyable. Talk to a sleep expert about other steps you can take to improve your sleep while taking full advantage of the holidays.

About the Author

Dr. Patrick Crowley is a proud long time resident of the Northwest Oklahoma  City Metro area. He loves seeing his patients at Bluff Creek Dental smile, and he has undergone special training to address a variety of dental needs. This includes designing oral appliances to treat sleep apnea. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Crowley through his website or by calling (405) 751-5515.