You struggle with sleep apnea, but you also spend hours lying in bed on your cell phone. The combination of these two can leave you feeling groggy, exhausted, and zombie-like the following day. If you want to take back control of your sleep patterns, learn why it’s in your best interest to power down your phone, get the necessary treatment for your apnea, and start embracing a better quality of life.
Cell Phones and Your Sleep: What’s the Connection?
Throughout the day, your body is exposed to natural light. This is a good thing since you do not want to fall asleep at your desk as a result of melatonin production. However, what you may not realize is the blue light your phone or tablet emits at night is the same as that which you are exposed to throughout the day. What this means is your body cannot develop the necessary melatonin needed to help it sleep if you’re busy looking at your phone while laying in bed.
Combine this common practice with obstructive sleep apnea, and you now have a recipe for disaster that only leads to chronic fatigue and more serious overall health issues.
Ways to Take Back Your Sleep
It might seem impossible at first, but when addressing your cell phone usage, the best thing you can do is power it down at least one hour before bedtime. The same can be said for laptops, tablets, and televisions. Trading out these electronics for a simple book, magazine, journal writing, or music can help your body take a break from the blue light and begin to enter into a state that triggers drowsiness and ultimately, sleep.
You’ll also want to consider seeking treatment for your sleep apnea. Being unable to get the rest you need because of your electronic devices is bad enough but add in the dangers of a nightly blockage that forms in your throat each time you fall asleep, it’s an unfortunate and scary situation.
You can find help by seeking a sleep dentist who provides helpful treatment in the form of a CPAP machine and/or a customized oral appliance. No matter which method is best for your needs, addressing your sleep apnea symptoms will, in turn, make it possible to avoid ceased breathing and snoring throughout the night. This and your decision to turn off your cell phone will give you a greater chance of achieving the necessary rest that allows for better functionality day after day.
Don’t let your cell phone be the reason you’re not sleeping at night. Get the help you need for your sleep apnea and take charge in turning off your electronics for a better night’s rest.
About the Author
Dr. Donald J. Drummond attended Pahlavi University in Shiraz, Iran, before going to the University of Florida in Gainesville. After graduating, he attended Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago before enlisting in the United States Army Dental Corps. During his tour, he received advanced training in oral surgery, endodontics, pedodontics, and prosthodontics. He and his team of experts offer custom oral appliances as an alternative to a CPAP if you’re struggling with sleep apnea. To learn more about our services and how we can help, contact us at (580) 355-0344.