Breathing repeatedly stops and begins while you sleep, this is the frequent symptom of sleep apnea. Your body may not receive enough oxygen as a result. Sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway is partially or completely closed for several seconds, causing breathing to cease and start periodically.

Sleep apnea comes in two different forms.

• Obstructive sleep apnea. You develop this condition when, your upper airway repeatedly becomes obstructed while you sleep, lowering or entirely stopping airflow; and this is the most typical kind of sleep apnea. Obesity, large tonsils, or changes in hormone levels can all restrict the airway and raise the chance of developing this condition.
• Central sleep apnea. This happens when your brain does not send the signals needed to breathe. Health conditions that affect how your brain controls your airway and chest muscles can cause central sleep apnea.

If you are suffering from sleep apnea then, you must be conscious and at watch with your diet and what you consume at night because it can significantly influence your ability to fall asleep.  Heavy meals with high sugar and carbohydrate content are among the foods that can disrupt your sleep. Your body will take longer to prepare for sleep if you consume a large meal right before bed.

Stay away from these foods if you have sleep apnea:

Caffeine - this stimulant is well known for helping people stay alert and awake; this should be avoided six hours before bedtime.

Dairy products – it is mucous forming or it increases mucous production thus can affect breathing. Since milk is one of its products, avoid drinking 2 to 3 hours before sleeping.

Fatty red meats –just like dairy products, these foods digest very slowly, so if you eat a lot of them and then lay down right away, they could give you cramps or make you feel bloated. 

Banana – also can increase mucus production especially when overripe.

Spicy rich foods -these meals digest slowly; you can experience cramps or feel bloated if you consume a lot of them and immediately lay down.

Alcohol –while it may aid in falling asleep, drinking alcohol may prevent you from experiencing the stage of deep REM sleep. May raise risk of airway obstruction since, it relaxes your throat.

Refined carbohydrates - raises the possibility of developing symptoms of sleep apnea; it is a major factor in weight gain.

Foods high in fiber - takes a while to digest and could leave you feeling bloated in bed. It's best to meet your daily fiber needs around noon.

Also, foods that can cause heartburn and acid reflux, two prominent causes of sleep apnea, should be avoided. It's advised to avoid eating anything two hours before going to bed.

So, to prevent sleep apnea, consuming the appropriate kind of food just before bed might promote restful sleep and lessen sleep apnea symptoms. Keep in mind that every person has a unique response to food. As a result, before beginning a new night time routine, it is best to speak with a healthcare provider about your sleep apnea treatment.

AA I Floricel N. Denopol, RND

References

Foods that can impact your sleep apnea

https://www.wethersfielddentalgroup.com/blog/2019/11/14/foods-that-affect-your-sleep-apnea/

References

The Best Sleep Apnea Diet: 6 Foods You Need to Eat (and 4 You Need to Avoid) If You Have OSA

By Meagan Remmes

https://shop.aeroflowsleep.com/blog/sleep-apnea-diet

What Is Sleep Apnea?

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea

Have Sleep Apnea? Be Sure to Avoid These Foods

https://jaxsleepcenter.com/have-sleep-apnea-be-sure-to-avoid-these-foods/