How Your Phone Can Worsen Your Sleep Apnea

Every night, millions of Americans miss out on countless hours of sleep because of sleep apnea; and even worse, many more cases go completely undiagnosed! But there are actually several factors that influence sleep apnea, and some things that might seem totally unrelated can make your condition much worse. One of these things is your cell phone! Here’s more from your dentist about how your phone can actually affect and worsen your sleep apnea, along with some tips for reducing its impact and getting back to bed.

How Your Phone Affects Your Sleep Apnea

Several studies have shown that smart phone usage right before bedtime can actually interfere with your sleep! Using your phone can make it more difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling energized. The primary reason for this is the blue light that’s being given off from your phone’s screen. Smart phones, tablets, and televisions all emit a blue light that your brain can misinterpret as sunlight. When your eyes are exposed to this light late at night, your brain is tricked into thinking it’s daytime! This lowers the production of melatonin, the hormone that’s responsible for helping you fall asleep.

Tips for Reducing the Impact of Blue Light

Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the impact that your phone has on the quality of your sleep—but it will take commitment from you. You should aim to set your phone down about an hour before bedtime, to reduce your exposure to blue light. You can also consider the following:

• Reading a book before bedtime is an excellent way to calm the brain—just be sure it’s a physical book and not something on your phone or tablet.
• Listening to music is another great way to relax while getting ready for bed.
• Meditating or practicing yoga can also help you unwind after a long day.
• You might also consider orange-tinted glasses that cancel out blue light for evenings when you can’t avoid screen time.

The Importance of Sleep Apnea Treatment

Of course, some patients with sleep apnea experience sleep disruption regardless of their cell phone usage! Obstructive sleep apnea, one of the most common forms of sleep apnea, occurs due to blockage in the airway during sleep. In these instances, it’s important to seek treatment in order to restore the quality of your rest! Upon receiving a diagnosis from a sleep expert, your treatment options include things like CPAP machines or oral appliances like a special nightguard. Receiving sleep apnea therapy can make a huge difference in the quality of your rest and in turn, your life.

If you’re having trouble falling asleep at night, you might want to reconsider your phone usage before bedtime! Knowing when to put down your device can make your bedtime much better; and if necessary, so can sleep apnea treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Stephen Dean has proudly served patients and families in the Covington, GA area for several years. Dr. Dean received his dental doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association, and the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. If you have any questions or concerns about sleep apnea or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Dean through his practice’s website or over the phone: (770) 710-5268.