Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, making it hard for people who suffer from it to get restorative rest. While diet isn’t a cure for sleep apnea, what you eat can influence factors associated with the condition, including body weight, inflammation, and sleep quality. Making thoughtful food choices may complement your overall treatment plan and help support better sleep.
Foods That May Make Sleep Apnea Worse
Alcohol
Alcohol can relax the muscles in your throat, potentially making it easier for your airway to become blocked during sleep. It can also interfere with normal sleep patterns. If you have sleep apnea, limiting alcohol, especially in the hours before bedtime, may be beneficial.
High-Fat and Fried Foods
Foods such as fried chicken, French fries, and other greasy meals can be high in calories and saturated fat. Eating large amounts regularly may contribute to weight gain, which can increase the risk or severity of obstructive sleep apnea. Heavy meals close to bedtime may also make it harder to sleep comfortably.
Sugary Foods and Drinks
Soda, candy, pastries, and other foods high in added sugar can contribute significant calories without providing much nutritional value. Frequently consuming these foods may make maintaining a healthy weight more difficult, which can be an important consideration for people with obstructive sleep apnea.
Highly Processed Foods
Processed meats, packaged snacks, and refined carbohydrates can be high in sodium, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. Making these foods an occasional part of your diet rather than a regular staple can support better overall health.
Foods That May Support Better Sleep and Health
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while generally being lower in calories. Try incorporating a variety of colorful produce into your meals and snacks.
Whole Grains
Whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain bread provide fiber and nutrients. Choosing them over highly refined grains can help support a balanced eating pattern.
Lean Proteins
Fish, poultry, beans, lentils, eggs, and other lean protein sources can help create satisfying, nutritious meals. Fatty fish such as salmon also provides omega-3 fatty acids.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds can provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Because they are calorie-dense, enjoying reasonable portions can help you maintain a balanced diet.
Changing your diet can be a helpful part of a healthy lifestyle, but food alone cannot treat or cure sleep apnea. If you snore loudly, wake up gasping or choking, experience excessive daytime sleepiness, or have other symptoms of sleep apnea, talk with your dentist about oral appliance therapy.
About the Practice
Have you tried a CPAP machine for your sleep apnea but just couldn’t make it work? Drs. Ryan and Leigh Weldon at Weldon Dental of Rome, GA offer a more comfortable alternative with oral appliance therapy. Want to learn more about this treatment? Click over to our website or call (706) 232-2082.