Have Sleep Apnea? Here’s How to Have a Silent Night This Holiday Season

If you have sleep apnea, then achieving deep, restful sleep can be challenging. Now add in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the end-of-the-year to-dos, and you could be missing out on even more sleep. Unfortunately, this can lead to unpleasant side effects, like memory loss, daytime drowsiness, and chronic headaches, which can significantly dampen the seasonal festivities. To help prevent this from happening to you, here are three tips for handling sleep apnea during the holidays.

#1. Plan for Travel

While some are choosing to lay low this holiday season, others are grabbing their masks, their gloves, and their suitcase to head out of town. If you are in the latter group, then preparation is key. Priority number one is to bring all the necessities you need to recreate your optimal sleeping environment. Items like a comfy pillow, peaceful music, and relaxing essential oils can help you find rest outside of your usual routine.  

#2. Use Your Oral Appliance

Whether you are staying with family or sleeping in your own bed, don’t forget your oral appliance! After all, the last thing you want is to back-track over the holidays. Plus, there is no excuse not to use it since they are more discreet than ever, can easily fit in your suitcase, and don’t require any electricity or tubes.

#3. Prioritize Your Rest

Between family dinners, buying gifts, and partaking in festivities that only come around once a year, it can quickly feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions during the holidays. With that being said, it’s important that rest is placed on your priorities list. That way, you avoid running on empty and can be present in the moments you are celebrating!

Getting a restful night’s sleep is always important, especially during the holidays. So, if you are struggling with snoring, daytime drowsiness, morning headaches, and other symptoms associated with sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to seek treatment for a formal diagnosis!

About the Practice

For over two full decades, Sleep Dallas has been the go-to practice for treating everything from sleep apnea and snoring to teeth grinding. Led by Dr. Kent Smith, a board-certified practitioner, each member of our team is united behind our mission to make getting the treatment you need as seamless and stress-free as possible. We do that by offering multiple appliances, being in-network with many of the nation’s leading providers, and taking a whole-health approach to care. If you have a question about treating sleep apnea or would like to schedule an appointment, visit our website.