December is here, which means that, in the coming weeks, many of us will be changing our normal routines to accommodate celebrating the holidays. While it is exciting to see family and friends, possibly travel to see relatives, and rush to purchase gifts, it can also be a time of added stress. Especially with the year we have had, your normal holiday routine may be altered, which can be a source of additional stress. This unwanted stress can cause disruptions to sleep patterns, negatively impacting your sleep apnea condition.
Whether you are spending the holidays at home this year or traveling to see family and friends, these are some tips to help with your stress and sleep apnea care:
- Rest – If you are planning to travel or have a late night, plan ahead and get a full night’s rest the prior night. Especially if you are driving, it is imperative that you are fully rested to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
- Pack equipment – if you require any equipment for your sleep apnea, be sure to pack all of it if you are traveling. You don’t want to delay or disrupt treatment due to forgetting equipment.
- Plan for travel – this is especially important if you will be traveling a long distance and changing time zones. We suggest planning for extra rest on the day of travel and slowly preparing your body for the new time zone on the days prior to travel.
- Be mindful of food and drink consumed – as much as you may be tempted to overindulge this holiday season, if there is a food or drink that does not agree with your sleep apnea condition, it is best to avoid it and make another choice. Consuming alcohol in moderation and well before bedtime is also recommended.
We hope that you have a wonderful time preparing and celebrating this holiday season. If you have any questions about dealing with sleep apnea during the holidays or need additional support, please contact our Brunswick, GA office today. We are always happy to hear from you.
