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How Can You Sleep Better During the Summer?

June 6, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — bettersleep @ 1:06 pm
Woman in grey shirt sleeping in bed

When you have sleep apnea, getting the quality slumber that your body needs is already difficult enough. But did you know that it could be even harder during the summer? Many people find that the quality of their sleep suffers during the hottest months of the year. Your sleep dentist is here to explain this surprising connection as well as some steps you can take to improve your ability to get enough rest on summer nights.

Why Is It Harder to Enjoy Quality Sleep During the Summer?

If your sleep is suffering during the summer, it could be due to any combination of the following factors:

  • More Daylight Exposure: The sun is out longer during the summer, which can decrease your body’s melatonin production. This is significant because melatonin plays an important role in the sleep-wake cycle.
  • Higher Temperatures: Your body’s temperature naturally goes down when you go to sleep. Consequently, it’s harder to fall and stay asleep when your environment is too warm.
  • More Social Activity: Do you stay out late more frequently during the summer in order to spend time with friends or go to social events? If so, you might be getting to bed later than usual, and that can throw off your sleep schedule.
  • Vacations: If you’re planning on traveling as part of your big summer vacation, you may end up disrupting your body’s normal sleeping pattern. This can especially be the case if your destination is in a different time zone.

How Can You Improve Sleep During the Summer?

The good news is that once you’re aware of the variables that might be affecting your sleep, you can take steps to deal with them. For example:

  • You can make more of an effort to stick to a strict sleep routine and a consistent bedtime even while you’re away from home.
  • You can try to avoid exercising in the evening, as doing so can increase your body’s temperature.
  • You can keep the temperature of your room between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Naturally, this can involve using your air conditioner or a fan. It might also be worth investing in a cooling mattress.
  • You can limit your exposure to light in the evening. Close the blinds on your windows and lower the lights in your home.

If you’re currently suffering from sleep apnea, then naturally you’ll also need to take steps to make sure that the disorder is under control. A sleep dentist can often help you address your symptoms with a customized oral appliance.

You shouldn’t have to force yourself to endure restless nights. Consider your situation carefully so that you can take the proper measures in order to get the rest you deserve during the summer.

About the Author

Dr. Ivan Paskalev has more than two decades of dental experience. He received his sleep dentistry training from OSA University, and he is currently pursuing the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine’s Mastery Program. He offers many different types of oral appliances in order to treat sleep apnea and help his patients improve the quality of their slumber. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Paskalev at Better Sleep Eugene, visit his website or call (541) 246-8284.

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