Smoking will exacerbate any respiratory condition, and it is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea. Patients struggling with sleep apnea should see Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS and her staff for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea, but quitting smoking is up to you!
Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the flow of air to the nasal passage and throat. This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.
Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness. Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep. Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!
To learn more about sleep apnea and the treatments provided at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180.
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