Sleep apnea can pose different challenges depending on the season. You can stay ahead of it by educating yourself on how the weather impacts sleep apnea, particularly this winter season. Stay ahead of the weather this winter so you don’t skip a beat with your sleep!
Winter can be rough on everyone, but particularly those who struggle with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts. Often those with undiagnosed apnea snore and find themselves frequently tired in the day.
During the winter, there is less humidity in the air. The temperatures drop and the furnace kicks on as we warm our homes. This adds to dryness in the throat and nasal passages. It makes breathing even more difficult for a person who has sleep apnea. Even with a humidification feature on a CPAP machine, it can be a challenge to compensate for the excessive dryness lost in the winter.
However, dry air doesn’t only negatively impact those with sleep apnea, but it can impact anyone with breathing disorders. It can exacerbate wheezing and shortness of breath.
Some ways to combat this are:
- Keep a humidifier going in each room where you spend a lot of time.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf when going outside.
- Limit outdoor exposure if possible.
- Don’t crank the heat too high, as it will increase the dryness.
The winter isn’t all bad news for those with respiratory issues. It’s sometimes an advantage to those with asthma. This is because humidity can be a trigger. It makes the air difficult to breathe and can also carry allergens that impact asthma.
To help make winter easier on your loved ones this winter, consider a thoughtful gift like our mask wipes or portable battery packs!
Sleep apnea can impose challenges on your life year-round, but especially in the winter. If you have questions about your sleep disorder, don’t hesitate to contact Advanced Respiratory Care Network!