Summertime is many people’s favorite season for the longer days and warm weather. You might be excited to soak up some sunshine, but the heat can quietly sabotage your sleep if you aren’t careful, especially if you have sleep apnea. You might be tired of tossing and turning during the night, so here’s why this time of the year can affect your rest and ways to snooze easier.
Why Can the Summer Disrupt Sleep?
While the summer is filled with beach days and spending time with friends and family, these are a few ways it affects sleep:
- The heat makes it harder for your body to cool off when you drift off. You may struggle to regulate temperature and wake up because of it.
- The late sunsets can impact what time you go to bed. Light actually keeps you awake and delays the release of melatonin. Without this hormone, you may stay up later than you’d like.
- Seasonal allergies can make you congested and struggle to breathe comfortably. This can make it harder for you to get settled down as you can’t get adequate airflow.
Everything above can feel more severe if you have sleep apnea, as they add to the trouble this condition already causes.
How Can I Regain Better Sleep?
Although the summer can make sleeping harder, here are simple tips to get the restful nights you deserve:
- Keep your bedroom cool. Experts recommend setting your thermostat to 60–67°F. You can also use a fan and blackout curtains.
- Choose breathable bedding. Lightweight sheets can allow your body to regulate temperature more easily compared to heavier blankets.
- Stick to a schedule. A great way to get your body in the mood for sleep is by waking up and going to bed at a particular time every day. This can reinforce your circadian rhythm despite the extra daylight.
- Treat your allergies. Talk to your physician about any over-the-counter medication that can help you lessen any symptoms you feel. Make sure your window is closed at night to stop pollen from going into your room.
- Address underlying sleep issues, like sleep apnea. Going to your dentist for professional treatment can help ensure these disorders don’t disrupt your nights.
Don’t let the summertime ruin your needed rest. Try out the tips above, and hopefully you find one that works for you. That way, you get back the calm slumber you deserve.
About the Practice
Do you struggle with sleep apnea? Our compassionate dentists at Dental Center of Lakewood are dedicated to helping patients in Dallas treat this condition with reliable solutions like oral appliance therapy. By customizing your treatment, you can get an effective way to keep your airways open that’s also comfortable. If you or someone you know struggles with this condition, schedule an appointment or call our office at 214-823-5253.