The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Cigarette Use
Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Wed 01/22/2025 - 09:19
Sleep apnea affects your ability to breathe freely during sleep, often causing fragmented rest, loud snoring, and excessive daytime fatigue. If you’re a smoker, your risk and the severity of this condition can be significantly higher. At New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions, you’ll find expert, patient-centered care that helps you understand and manage your condition. Based in New Jersey, this trusted practice provides customized treatment plans to improve both your breathing and your quality of life.
How Cigarette Use Affects Your Airways
When you smoke, the lining of your upper airway becomes inflamed. This inflammation can narrow your airway passages, increasing the likelihood that your airway will collapse during sleep. Smoking also leads to increased mucus production, which can further block your breathing. Over time, the damage to your respiratory system can become chronic, intensifying the frequency and severity of sleep apnea episodes.
The Vicious Cycle: Sleep Deprivation and Smoking
Poor sleep caused by sleep apnea can reduce your ability to manage stress and resist cravings. This creates a cycle where you may smoke more in an attempt to feel alert or calm, further worsening your sleep apnea. Additionally, nicotine is a stimulant, which can delay your ability to fall asleep and reduce the amount of restorative sleep you get, deepening the negative effects on your health.
The Impact on Treatment Success
If you’re undergoing treatment for sleep apnea, continuing to smoke can reduce its effectiveness. Smoking can worsen swelling in your nasal passages, making it harder to breathe comfortably during therapy. For best results, addressing both your smoking habits and your sleep apnea is essential.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to support sleep apnea treatment and improve your long-term health. If you’re ready to improve your sleep, reduce your health risks, and experience life with more energy, turn to New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions in New Jersey. The team is committed to helping you breathe easier and sleep more soundly. Call today to schedule your consultation.
