If you think you have sleep apnea, you’re likely checking yourself for its more obvious signs. Such symptoms range from snoring and night sweats to daytime fatigue and headaches. With that said, you should also look at your recent dreams; research shows sleep apnea can give you nightmares. By handling the problem, you’d likely enjoy a much sweeter slumber than before. Just keep reading for more details on the matter from your local Cincinnati dentist.
Remind Me: What’s Sleep Apnea?
Before proceeding, consider reviewing the basics of sleep apnea. Having those facts in mind will provide context for the nightmare question.
Sleep apnea is a condition that makes you stop breathing while asleep. While it often occurs due to blockage of your airway (i.e., obstructive sleep apnea), it can also result from an issue with your brain (i.e., central sleep apnea). Either way, the resulting lack of breathing interrupts your sleep cycle, prevents proper rest, and puts a strain on your body.
In general, sleep apnea has a wide range of potential risk factors. These include a family history of the issue, heart conditions, large tonsils, obesity, and more.
Does Sleep Apnea Cause Nightmares?
Sleep apnea’s unpleasant effects don’t stop at the physical. Sometimes, the condition can actually give you a nightmare.
It comes down to how sleep apnea interrupts your rest. When an apnea occurs during the dream phase of sleep, it can enhance your dream recall. A dream’s content can also be influenced by the dramatic decrease in blood oxygen levels, which occurs when you stop breathing well. Many researchers believe this oxygen drop can turn a dream into a nightmare.
Of course, just having nightmares doesn’t automatically mean you have sleep apnea. You’ll need to see a sleep doctor for a proper diagnosis.
How to Manage Your Sleep Apnea
If you want nicer dreams, try taking steps to manage your sleep apnea. Good ways to do so include:
- Change Your Sleeping Position – To ease sleep apnea symptoms, avoid sleeping on your back. Doing so will reduce pressure on your airways.
- Take Medications – Medicines like acetazolamide can help you with nighttime breathing. That said, be sure to obtain approval from your doctor.
- See Your Dentist – Many dentists can treat their patients’ sleep apnea. For example, they could provide you with oral appliance therapy.
While sleep apnea can give you nightmares, the path to sweet dreams is still open. Just consult your dental provider about potential treatments.
About the Practice
Kemper Meadow Family Dentistry is based in Forest Park, OH. Led by Drs. Kulwin and Maric, our practice provides each patient with comfy and tailored oral care. Whether your smile needs preventive, cosmetic, or even restorative treatment, our team will ensure you get a positive experience and effective results. The same also applies to our office’s sleep apnea and BOTOX procedures. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (513)-648-9900.