Essential Oil or Snake Oil? What to Know About Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is an unfortunately common health condition that leads to frequent sleep interruptions due to disrupted breathing. While it’s best to have this issue treated by a trained sleep dentist, there are a number of ways to address the problem at home, and essential oils have recently become a popular method. Here’s a brief guide to a few potential at-home sleep apnea remedies as well as why you should contact your sleep dentist for help.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by the windpipe becoming constricted during sleep due to the weight of the relaxing tissues surrounding it. This will promptly cut off the sleeper’s supply of oxygen, which results in the body sending distress signals to the brain, causing the person to awaken. This can potentially happen more than a hundred times in a single night, leading to issues such as:

• Chronic fatigue
• Irritability
• Overeating
• Difficulty paying attention
• Trouble staying awake
• Falling asleep while driving

What Are Some Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?

While the method hasn’t been researched adequately for anyone to definitively say it is effective, many people report that using essential oils such as lavender for aromatherapy helps them sleep much more peacefully despite their sleep apnea symptoms. A few other ways to improve your sleep include:

Keep your head elevated when sleeping: This can redirect some of the weight of the relaxing muscles in your neck from your windpipe so you can sleep more easily.

Avoid alcohol: Alcohol is a muscle relaxant that may worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. Avoiding alcohol for at least a few hours before bed may help you achieve better slumber.

Exercise regularly: Enjoying frequent workouts can set you up for better rest and reduce the weight of the tissue pressing against your windpipe during sleep.

How Can My Sleep Dentist Help?

While many people associate sleep apnea treatment with uncomfortable CPAP machines, this is not always the best course of treatment. In many cases, sleep dentists address sleep apnea with oral appliances, devices designed to hold the jaw in a position that helps keep the windpipe open overnight. This can drastically reduce your sleep apnea symptoms so you can achieve better rest.

Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of your energy, alertness, and quality of life. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to achieve great sleep.

About the Author

Dr. Bernard L. Greenbaum earned his dental degree from Georgetown University School of Dentistry and stays abreast of the latest developments in his field through continuing education coursework. He is a fellow with the Academy of General Dentistry and a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. His office in Bethesda offers sleep apnea therapy as well as snoring treatments. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact his office online or dial (301) 530-3600.