Sleep is crucial to a person’s health. When we sleep, our bodies repair and regenerate tissues and the brain sorts through and categorizes everything it learned during the day. If someone isn’t sleeping enough, they can develop serious health problems such as high blood pressure or even have dangerous accidents like crashing a car after falling asleep behind the wheel. Sleep apnea is a medical condition that can frequently disrupt a patient’s sleep, but there are things you can do at home to mitigate its symptoms. Here’s how essential oil can help manage sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
During sleep, muscles and soft tissues throughout the body relax. For a person with sleep apnea, the structures in the neck exert pressure against the throat as they become less tense, causing the airway to constrict and limiting the amount of air that can enter and leave the lungs. In addition to making patients more vulnerable to health concerns like diabetes and heart disease, this obstruction of the airway can cause a patient to wake up more than a hundred times in a single night and may even lead to unpleasant dreams about things like smothering or drowning.
Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated with Essential Oils?
As with any medical condition, the best way to deal with sleep apnea is to address the underlying cause. The help of a medical professional like a sleep dentist is invaluable for sleep apnea patients, and it is usually treated through oral appliances like CPAP machines. However, many have found additional relief through home remedies like essential oils.
While there is limited research on how essential oils can help sleep apnea patients, some studies show that aromatherapy can help many patients enjoy a better night’s sleep. These oils are extracted from aromatic plants, and they can be used to stimulate the production of the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. This can help the brain produce the sleep hormone melatonin while also helping patients to relax. Common therapeutic essential oils include:
- Eucalyptus oil: Research has demonstrated that eucalyptus oil can help reduce mucus in the airways, which can make it easier to breathe while sleeping.
- Lavender oil: Study participants have reported that lavender oil has helped them sleep more deeply and with fewer interruptions.
- Peppermint oil: Some research shows that peppermint oil can help people sleep more restfully while also improving their moods.
Aromatherapy with essential oils can be a great way to enjoy a better night’s sleep. Consulting with your sleep dentist can help you find the best way to manage sleep apnea.
About the Practice
Sleep Better Georgia helps patients in Dunwoody, GA enjoy better sleep so they can live healthier lives. Led by sleep specialist Dr. Jeff Rodgers, the staff ensures that each patient receives personalized care in a friendly and comfortable environment. The office treats sleep apnea through effective methods like oral appliance therapy. For more tips on managing sleep apnea, contact the office online or dial (770) 394-4310.