For people who struggle with restless nights due to sleep apnea, the idea of taking a sleeping pill might seem like an easy fix. After all, these medications are designed to promote relaxation and help you drift into a deeper sleep. However, when it comes to sleep apnea, sleeping pills can actually make the problem worse. Understanding why these medications are not a safe solution is key to protecting your health and getting the right treatment.
Why Sleeping Pills Don’t Work for Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to collapse or become blocked. This leads to repeated pauses in breathing that prevent you from reaching restorative sleep. Sleeping pills, which work by relaxing the body and quieting the mind, unfortunately also relax the tissues in the throat and airway. Instead of reducing apnea episodes, they can increase the frequency and severity of blockages.
Because of this effect, many people who take sleeping pills with undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea may actually wake up feeling more tired, not less. In addition, the lowered muscle tone caused by these medications can reduce the body’s natural reflexes that trigger waking when oxygen levels drop, which can make sleep apnea more dangerous.
The Risks of Sleeping Pills for Sleep Apnea Patients
While sleeping pills may be safe for some individuals without breathing disorders, they pose added risks for those with sleep apnea. These include:
- Worsening oxygen deprivation due to longer pauses in breathing
- Increased daytime fatigue, brain fog, and irritability
- Higher likelihood of heart strain and cardiovascular issues
- Masking symptoms that delay proper diagnosis and treatment
In short, while these medications may make you feel drowsy, they don’t address the root cause of sleep apnea—and in many cases, they amplify its effects.
Safer Ways to Improve Sleep with Sleep Apnea
If sleep apnea is interfering with your rest, there are healthier and more effective ways to find relief. Options may include:
- Using a CPAP machine or oral appliance to keep your airway open during sleep
- Practicing good sleep hygiene, such as keeping a consistent schedule and limiting screen time before bed
- Sleeping on your side instead of your back to reduce airway collapse
- Losing weight if recommended by your doctor, as excess tissue can worsen OSA
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives in the evening since they relax throat muscles
These approaches target the root issue—blocked airways—rather than just the symptoms. Working with a sleep apnea specialist ensures you’ll find the right treatment for your specific needs.
Get the Right Help for Restful Sleep
While sleeping pills may seem like a shortcut to better rest, they don’t treat sleep apnea and can even make it worse. Instead, professional treatment is the safest way to restore healthy, uninterrupted sleep.
About the Practice
Next Door Dental is your neighborhood family dentist in Greensboro! Dr. Bagley and Dr. Garcia customized solutions for patients living with sleep apnea. Our team offers oral appliance therapy and other treatments designed to keep the airway open and improve sleep quality. With a focus on long-term health and comfort, we are dedicated to helping patients breathe easier and wake up refreshed.
Call us at (336) 854-5850 or request an appointment online.