Can Sleeping in a Recliner Help Reduce My Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

In this articleFalling asleep in front of the television set is a time-honored American tradition, but did you know that drifting off to dreamland while sitting in your recliner may help you manage your sleep apnea symptoms? As strange as it sounds, a recliner can hold your head in a position that makes it easier for your airway to stay open as you sleep. Here’s how getting some shuteye while kicking back in your recliner can help you get the quality rest you need for an active and enjoyable tomorrow.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that causes a patient’s airway to become restricted during sleep, which makes them wake up suddenly. These interruptions of slumber can occur more than a hundred times in a single night, making it impossible for the patient to enjoy even a few solid hours of rest. Sleep apnea is associated with a range of other issues such as:

· Fatigue

· Depression

· Obesity

· Diabetes

· Irritability

· Difficulty paying attention

· Falling asleep while driving

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

In many cases, sleep apnea is caused by the way that the muscles and other tissues in the neck relax against the airway during sleep. The weight of the rest of the neck can put a lot of pressure on the windpipe, resulting in frequent breathing interruptions that cause the patient to wake up gasping for breath.

How Can Sleeping in a Recliner Help My Sleep Apnea?

Thankfully, there are a few effective home remedies for sleep apnea. While some people report having success with using lavender in aromatherapy, you may be able to improve your rest simply by sleeping in your recliner. Since recliners hold your head at an inclined angle, they can divert some of the weight of the muscles and other tissues in your neck away from your windpipe, which can allow you to enjoy smoother and more comfortable breathing while asleep.

While employing a few effective home remedies can help you manage your sleep apnea symptoms, it’s important to see a sleep dentist to get lasting relief. By using an oral appliance or another treatment, your dentist can help you achieve the best sleep possible so you can enjoy happier and healthier waking hours.

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Held earned his dental degree at the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha and has completed more than 800 hours of continuing education coursework. He is proud to be the only Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine in Northern Arizona. His offices in Prescott Valley, Flagstaff, and Sedona offer sleep testing, oral appliance treatment, and TMJ therapy. To learn more about treating sleep apnea, contact his office online., we will discuss…