In the early part of the new millennium, a campaign against smoking traditional cigarettes began. Some 20 years later, using e-cigarettes (referred to as vaping) has become a quite popular alternative. Data collected by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) show that 8 million Americans currently vape, which has contributed to a sharp decline in cigarette smoking. While vaping may seem to be a safer alternative to the old-fashioned way of burning tobacco, studies show that the chemicals it releases could still contribute to health issues. Furthermore, it can interrupt your rest at night and magnify the symptoms of sleep apnea in Lawton. Learn more about the connection as you continue reading.
How Vaping Works
An e-cigarette (vaping) cartridge or pod contains nicotine and other toxic chemicals in liquid form. When they’re heated, they produce an aerosol for inhalation that mimics the effects of smoking a cigarette. Because there is no tobacco burning, vaping has gained in popularity among young adults, as it appears to be far less detrimental to their health.
While e-cigarettes don’t bombard users with as many chemicals as burning tobacco (over 7,000 types), the vape aerosol can contribute to lung disease, heart disease and different forms of cancer.
Vaping as a Contributor to Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea refers to frequent lapses in breathing while sleeping. These breaks trigger the brain to send distress signals that interrupt rest so that oxygen can flow properly again. Because this can happen hundreds of times a night, the normal benefits of sleep are lost.
The following shows how vaping before bed can make it harder for the body and mind to rest:
- Nicotine heightens mental alertness and increases adrenaline production, which raises heart and breathing rates, and elevates blood pressure.
- It’s harder to get into the deepest stage of sleep, which is REM (rapid eye movement). That’s because there can be withdrawal symptoms from lack of nicotine that interrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm.
- Nicotine usage causes inflammation of the nose, throat and lungs, which can further contribute to nighttime breathing issues.
Getting More Effective Rest
If you’re currently using e-cigarettes and you’ve been experiencing daytime lethargy, inability to focus, moodiness, morning headaches or throat soreness, then you could be suffering from sleep apnea. One way to find out is to take an at-home sleep test using a portable sleep apnea diagnostic device called WatchPAT. If you have a positive diagnosis, a sleep dentist can provide the vital care you need to start the recovery process. Your efforts to cut back or stop vaping will play a huge role in improving your health as well.
About the Author
Dr. David J. Drummond is a graduate of Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago. Throughout a career that has spanned over 30 years, he has taken a careful and calculated approach to providing care. Specializing in treating sleep apnea, Dr. Drummond puts his years of experience and vast knowledge to good use by helping his patients recover from sleep apnea at Stop Snoring Lawton. He can be reached for more information through his website.