There are lots of reasons to love summertime, from delicious backyard barbecues to baseball games to more opportunities to lounge by the pool. Unfortunately, this season also has its drawbacks, one of which is that it can interfere with the quantity and quality of your sleep. Below, a sleep dentist in Fort Worth discusses how summer can impact sleep and what you can do to enjoy higher-quality shuteye.
How Summer Affects Sleep
There are a few ways in which summer may interfere with your sleep routine:
- Later sunsets can make it all too easy to stay up past your regular bedtime.
- A bedroom that is too hot can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Summertime allergies can make it challenging to breathe. (This problem is especially dangerous for individuals with sleep apnea in Fort Worth, who already struggle with nighttime breathing problems.)
- Vacations to other time zones can create jet lag.
How to Sleep Better
To enjoy better sleep this summer, you might find it beneficial if you:
Lower the Temperature
The ideal sleeping temperature is somewhere between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit for most people. If you don’t want to crank up the AC, you can crack a window, turn on a fan, and make sure you have breathable bed linens.
Block Out Light
You should try to stick to a consistent bedtime, even if sunlight outside tempts you to stay up later than usual. Blackout curtains can help you adhere to your normal routine. It may also be beneficial to set aside your electronic devices an hour or two before bedtime.
Manage Your Allergies
Allergy medication can help you fall asleep faster, but be careful — some of them contain ingredients that can lessen the quality of your sleep. If possible, it would be better to limit your exposure to allergens. For example, you may need to do a deep-clean of your bedroom to get rid of pet dander.
Take Extra Time Off after Your Vacation
If you plan on traveling overseas, it would be smart to schedule a few extra days off of work after you get home. Doing so will give you time to readjust to your normal time zone.
Seek Sleep Apnea Treatment if Necessary
If you are doing all you can to stick to a good sleep routine, and you still feel tired, you might have a sleep disorder. A sleep test, followed by proper treatment, may be just what you need to start getting high-quality shuteye. Many patients with sleep apnea find that an oral appliance from a dentist is the most convenient way to manage their condition.
Summertime can make it challenging to enjoy high-quality sleep. Hopefully, the tips in this article will help you get the rest you need to feel your best!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Mitch Conditt is an experienced dental sleep medicine provider who has learned from some of the world’s leading experts in the field. He focuses primarily on serving patients who would like to manage their sleep apnea via oral appliance therapy. If you would like to learn if he could help you sleep better this summer, contact our office at 817-527-8500.