Will Sleeping in a Recliner Help My Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

Sleep apnea is a widespread condition that robs millions of patients of countless hours of sleep each night. What’s worse is that more often than not, patients are unaware that they suffer from the condition until it begins to take a toll on their health. Although it’s treatable through means such as oral appliance therapy, sleep apnea-related symptoms can often be mitigated by making certain lifestyle changes involving how you sleep. But did you know that sleeping upright in a reclining chair can sometimes assist with reducing the impact of sleep apnea? Continue reading to learn more!

What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea?

If you’re unfamiliar, sleep apnea is a condition that causes patients to wake up repeatedly during the night, forcing them to miss out on much-needed rest. The most common form of sleep apnea is OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), which refers to when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, usually due to muscle tissues becoming constricted.

Basically, the brain sends signals to the rest of the body due to lowered oxygen levels, stirring it to wake up so that breathing patterns can be restored. These episodes, called “apneas,” may not last long, nor are they often even remembered by patients – however, they can occur hundreds of times in a given night, leading to quite a lot of lost sleep.

How Does My Sleeping Position Influence Sleep Apnea?

Studies show that elevating your head while sleeping may help to ease symptoms of sleep apnea. This is because when your head is upright, gravity is working in your favor and preventing the soft tissues inside of your throat from collapsing and causing airway blockage. When you’re lying flat on your back, though, these tissues can compress and block the proper flow of oxygen – which is what causes loud snoring or the sensation of gasping for air during sleep apnea episodes.

Can Sleeping in a Recliner Truly Address My Sleep Apnea?

All of that said, sleeping in a recliner is an easy and accessible means of reducing the impact of obstructive sleep apnea. A 2017 study found that a 7.5-degree elevation significantly improved symptoms, and studies prior to that found that sleeping at 30 to 60 degrees is the relative “sweet spot” for managing symptoms. These angels are similar to the positions of most reclining chairs. It’s also worth noting that sleeping upright can reduce symptoms associated with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

At the end of the day, there is no better way of getting a handle on your condition than by seeking professional treatment, even if sleeping in a recliner is proving helpful. Upon completing a sleep study, which is a simple test that can diagnose sleep apnea, you can opt into solutions such as oral appliance therapy, one surefire way of alleviating relevant symptoms.

About the Practice

The team at Anderson Dental Center has served the needs of patients in Hackensack and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide variety of dental services aimed at boosting oral wellness and enhancing quality of life. We also proudly offer sleep apnea treatment through various means, including custom-made oral appliances. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment, feel free to visit the practice online or call today for more information. Telephone: (201) 546-7435.