Many individuals’ obstructive sleep apnea symptoms worsen during the holidays. Running across town and preparing for out-of-town visitors may make the holidays tough and stressful. These tasks’ thoughts can keep you up at night. Consider how a lack of sleep during the holidays can affect your mental well-being. While there are various reasons why sleep apnea is worse around the holidays, these are the most common — and all of them can be avoided.

Consumption of Alcohol

Alcohol is freely flowing throughout the holidays, with parties and gatherings (which may be reduced this year). If you tend to have a few extra drinks over the holidays, you should keep track of how much you’re drinking because alcohol intensifies the effects of constructive sleep apnea and makes it more challenging to manage.

Weight Gain/Overeating

Obesity might increase the symptoms of sleep apnea. While it’s easy to be tempted by all of the delectable delights available at this time of year, the best course of action is to create a balance between indulging in sweet treats while still eating nutritious meals and exercising. Maintaining a healthy weight is more challenging around the holidays, so instead of depriving yourself of everything and then overindulging, permit yourself to indulge in some of your favorite foods.

Consistent Schedule

It can be challenging to maintain your normal behaviors while traveling and staying in an unusual place. Traveling with a CPAP machine might be difficult; you may decide to leave it at home and convince yourself that you’ll just be gone for a few weeks. Or perhaps you had already ceased using it. Even if you travel or have a break in your routine, you should still treat your sleep apnea. Additionally, you may be staying up longer to socialize with family, causing your sleep schedule to be disrupted. Try to maintain as much consistency as possible.

Find Sleep Apnea Relief in Washington

Dr. Buck is a facial orthopedist based in the state of Washington. Through teamwork and combining their expertise, Dr. Buck and his fellow ENT physicians and pulmonologists help their patients find relief from sleep apnea. With Dr. Buck and his team, relief from the severity and alleviate symptoms of sleep breathing issues is possible. For more information on Dr. Buck’s practice and the treatment options he provides, please schedule an appointment by giving us a call today at 425-361-7499. Additionally, one may contact us by filling out our online form.