Vaping FAQs

can vaping make sleep apnea worse

by Aimee Brekke III Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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3 things to remember about sleep apnea and vaping:

  • Vaping is likely just as bad as tobacco cigarettes
  • The nicotine vapor can wreck your sleep and aggravate sleep apnea
  • For better sleep, improve your sleep hygiene, sleep apnea management, and wean yourself off of nicotine

The following shows how the nicotine in vaping products can contribute to sleep apnea: Nicotine heightens mental alertness and increases adrenaline production, which raises heart and breathing rates, and elevates blood pressure. It's harder to get into the deepest stage of sleep, which is REM (rapid eye movement).Mar 8, 2020

Full Answer

How does vaping impact your sleep?

Vaping is a very popular hobby, but it does have its health risks. If you’re not careful, your sleep quality may suffer, and poor sleep can have a major impact on the rest of your life. To take care of yourself, you should be aware of the effect vaping can have on your sleep, and you should do everything you can to improve your sleep hygiene.

Can sleep apnea cause low oxygen levels during the day?

With obstructive sleep apnea, repeated gaps in breathing cause blood oxygen levels to drop by 3% or more, leading to oxygen desaturation. Oxygen levels are considered abnormal when they drop below 90%. They might be considered to be severely abnormal when they are below 80%.

Do I actually have sleep apnea?

Symptoms of sleep apnoea mainly happen while you sleep. It can be hard to tell if you have sleep apnoea. It may help to ask someone to stay with you while you sleep so they can check for the symptoms. If someone else has seen you have the symptoms, it can help to bring them with you. Sleep apnoea can be serious if it's not diagnosed and treated.

Is it possible to prevent sleep apnea?

To eliminate snoring and prevent sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a device called a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP machine delivers just enough air pressure to a mask to keep your upper airway passages open, preventing snoring and sleep apnea.

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Does nicotine make sleep apnea worse?

Furthermore, nicotine causes inflammation of the nose, throat, and lungs, inducing nighttime breathing issues and ultimately worsening existing trouble with sleep apnea.

What aggravates sleep apnea?

Having family members with sleep apnea might increase your risk. Use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers. These substances relax the muscles in your throat, which can worsen obstructive sleep apnea.

Can vaping cause sleeping problems?

The short answer is, “Yes.” When you vape, it does impact your sleep, and not in a good way. There seems to be an ongoing battle between health and use of electronic cigarettes. But all signs point to the negative impact that vaping has on a person's health, extending to sleep.

Does nicotine help sleep apnea?

Hence, we evaluated the effect of nicotine on apneas during the first two hours of sleep in eight patients with sleep apnea syndrome. It was concluded that nicotine reduces apneas during the early hours of sleep, and this effect may be caused by its stimulating action on upper airway muscles.

What should I avoid with sleep apnea?

Burgers, steak, pork, bacon, lamb, and sausage are all meats that are high in saturated fats. Eating too much of these items can cause inflammation throughout your body, which can lead to cardiovascular problems. This is a big risk factor if you have sleep apnea, so it's best to avoid consuming these products.

Can you live a long life with sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is dangerous because if untreated, it leads to high blood pressure and is associated with an increased chance of heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure. Studies have shown that sleep apnea can decrease life expectancy by several years.

Does quitting vaping improve sleep?

Quitting smoking or vaping is one of the best ways someone can help improve their sleep. This may be because smoking is a stimulant and stimulants make it harder to get to sleep and stay asleep. It may also be because smokers may have other habits that disrupt sleep such as drinking more coffee or alcohol.

How long before bed should I stop vaping?

two hoursParticularly as the nicotine in e-juice acts as a stimulant. Reducing the nicotine in your e-juice and avoiding vaping for at least two hours before bed may help to improve the quality of your sleep.

How many puffs of vape is equal to a cigarette?

Typically, manufacturers advise that 10 puffs on your vape are about the same as 10 puffs on your cigarette. They further speculate that 10 puffs are all you take on one cigarette. Of course, this varies based on how big your puffs are, how strong your vape device is, and how much nicotine you are using.

Does sleep apnea go away after quitting smoking?

If you are looking for yet another reason to quit, you should know that those who stop smoking sleep more restfully, wake less often, and suffer from insomnia less frequently. However, it is also important to note that sleep apnea is not often cured by stopping smoking – it is only made milder.

Does sleep apnea get better after quitting smoking?

Smoking cessation may improve the symptoms of OSA. Nicotine withdrawal may cause symptoms similar to OSA, like sleeplessness and irritability, when smoking cessation first begins. However, data demonstrates that those who give up smoking on a long-term basis enjoy better sleep quality than those who do not.

Can you smoke if you have sleep apnea?

Cigarette smoking may increase the severity of OSA through alterations in sleep architecture, upper airway neuromuscular function, arousal mechanisms, and upper airway inflammation.

What is the main cause of sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much to allow normal breathing. These muscles support structures including the back of the roof of your mouth (soft palate), the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate (uvula), the tonsils and the tongue.

How I cured my sleep apnea?

TreatmentLose weight if you're overweight.Exercise regularly.Drink alcohol moderately, if at all. Don't drink in the hours before bedtime.Quit smoking.Use a nasal decongestant or allergy medications.Don't sleep on your back.Avoid taking sedative medications such as anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping pills.

What does sleep apnea fatigue feel like?

You wake up enough to take a few breaths, but not enough to remember it the next morning. This cycle repeats itself many times each night, making you feel tired or exhausted in the morning. When you have OSA the apnea is caused by an obstruction or blockage.

What are 3 symptoms of sleep apnea?

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?Snoring.Daytime sleepiness or fatigue.Restlessness during sleep, frequent nighttime awakenings.Sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking.Dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening.Cognitive impairment, such as trouble concentrating, forgetfulness or irritability.More items...•

Can Vaping Make Sleep Apnea Worse?

In an effort to curtail the damaging effects of smoking traditional cigarettes , smokers and non-smokers a like are taking up e-cigarettes, popularly known as vapes. With 8 million Americans regularly vaping, and traditional cigarette use reaching a record low in 2018, a CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) study indicates that vaping numbers are on the rise. While many folks turn to e-cigarettes as an alternative to burning tobacco, the number of first-time tobacco users is also increasing and largely consists of young adults.

What is electronic cigarette?

Electronic cigarettes, or vapes, heat a liquid solution made up of nicotine, chemicals, and other additives to produce an aerosol for inhalation. Vaping imitates the behavioral elements of smoking a traditional cigarette which appeals to cigarette smokers seeking a healthier alternative. It also broadly appeals to young adults who crave both the flavoring and nicotine buzz provided by vapes, without the harsh sensation caused by inhaling traditional burning tobacco.

Does nicotine affect sleep?

In addition to an adrenaline rush, research indicates that nicotine also hinders the deepest stage of sleep — the REM cycle — due to withdrawal symptoms that disrupt our body’s natural circadian rhythm. Those who vape experience more apneic events – pauses or cessations in breathing during sleep – than their counterparts. The strong association between smoking and sleep cycle disturbances directly links nicotine use with the development of obstructive sleep apnea.

Does nicotine cause sleep apnea?

Although nicotine reduces the number of apneic events an individual with OSA experiences in the first hour of sleep, once this period passes the body experiences nicotine withdrawal which increases bouts of sleep apnea. Furthermore, nicotine causes inflammation of the nose, throat, and lungs, inducing nighttime breathing issues and ultimately worsening existing trouble with sleep apnea.

Does smoking cigarettes affect sleep?

The presence of nicotine in both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes negatively impacts the sleep cycle by acting as a stimulant during prime sleeping hours. Despite the common misconception that smoking before bed helps promote sleep, research shows that nicotine use actually heightens mental alertness. Upon exposure to nicotine, the body begins to produce adrenaline, causing increased heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. This physical stimulant creates an environment not conducive to a proper night’s sleep. For these reasons, regular use of nicotine can increase the severity of sleep difficulties.

Is vaping bad for you?

Contrary to the prevalent belief that vaping offers a healthy alternative to smoking, the recent e-cig epidemic introduces a slew of new toxins to inhale, followed by various health problems for consumers. Individuals who use vapes face serious health risks, including lung damage, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and heart attack, due to the contents of the vapor in e-cigarettes. The vapor contains nicotine, as well as toxic chemicals and metals, some of which are too recently introduced to discern the true long-term consequences of inhalation. In addition, vaping inhalation, much like traditional cigarette smoking, impacts your sleep cycle by creating inflammation in the nose and upper airway.

Is nicotine a stimulant?

Inhaling e-cigarette nicotine, equivalent to that found in traditional cigarettes, can result in all of the same consequences, including addiction and withdrawal. As a highly toxic stimulant, nicotine also causes increased blood pressure and spiked adrenaline levels, headaches, nausea, persistent cough, nasal blockage, heartburn, and diarrhea. While the number of chemicals in e-liquid may not amount to that of traditional cigarettes, they still put consumer health in jeopardy.

Can Vaping Makes Sleep Apnea Symptoms Worse?

While sleep apnea can be diagnosed and successfully treated, it is important to understand that there are some habits that can make sleep apnea symptoms even worse. In this short blog, we will discuss a unhealthy habit, vaping, and why you should avoid it, especially if you are struggling with sleep apnea. You can also reach our experts at the Novi Oaks Dental Sleep Medicine for queries or best treatment plans. Initially vaping was designed as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes and to help people overcome smoking. However, due to the contents of the vapor, e-cigarettes can cause various health risks for the users. Consumers can face serious health risks, such as asthma, damage, cardiovascular disease, and even heart attack.

Can vaping cause sleep apnea?

If you suspect that your sleep has been compromised by vaping or smoking, you may be suffering from sleep apnea that requires treatment. Meet the experts at Novi Oaks Dental Sleep Medicine, they can provide you with the utmost care and provide you with a better treatment plan to treat your issue.

How does a vape work?

They work by heating a nicotine solution to produce a nicotine-rich vapor which can be inhaled by a user.

What happens when you stop smoking?

Once you start weaning your self off of nicotine, you’ll deal with withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, headaches, fatigue, and food cravings.

Is sleep apnea a treatable condition?

Today sleep apnea is a very treatable but 80 percent of patients with moderate and severe symptoms go undiagnosed.

Does sleep apnea cause inflammation?

In fact, in studies sleep apnea severity has been found to correlate with high levels of inflammation – the worse your sleep apnea is the more inflammation found in the body.

Does vaping cause wheezing?

Furthermore, vaping has been linked to wheezing in adults which is often a precursor to other issues such as sleep apnea. Studies have also shown that vaping causes inflammation in lung tissues.

Does smoking cause sleep apnea?

Smoking can cause or worsen sleep apnea symptoms. The material in cigarettes can irritate the lining of the airway causing it to swell and narrow. It can also stimulate the airway muscles to relax which can lead to more narrowing and more severe symptoms.

Is smoking cigarettes bad for sleep apnea?

Smoking cigarettes is just as bad for obstructive sleep apnea, the most common sleep apnea type caused by a narrowing of the airway. There are currently 1 billion people living with it.

What is Vaping?

In the simplest terms, vaping is an alternative way to smoke. Using nicotine, chemicals, and additional flavors, this liquid solution turns into an aerosol before being inhaled through the vape device.

How Vaping Negatively Impacts Your Sleep

Nicotine is the key indicator as to why you may not be sleeping well at night. Found in both traditional and e-cigarettes, it works as a stimulant, often keeping you awake and alert. As a result, your body may begin to produce adrenaline, thus, increasing your blood pressure, heart rate, and how fast you breathe.

Forgoing Nicotine

Although your body is not taking in the same number of toxins produced by traditional cigarettes, the negative impact on your body from vaping can have life-changing consequences. After meeting with your doctor and discussing your sleep apnea symptoms, it may be necessary to undergo treatment and proper lifestyle changes (i.e. quit smoking).

How Vaping Works

An e-cigarette (vaping) cartridge or pod contains nicotine and other toxic chemicals in liquid form. When they’re heated, they produce an aerosol for inhalation that mimics the effects of smoking a cigarette.

Vaping as a Contributor to Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea refers to frequent lapses in breathing while sleeping. These breaks trigger the brain to send distress signals that interrupt rest so that oxygen can flow properly again. Because this can happen hundreds of times a night, the normal benefits of sleep are lost.

Getting More Effective Rest

If you’re currently using e-cigarettes and you’ve been experiencing daytime lethargy, inability to focus, moodiness, morning headaches or throat soreness, then you could be suffering from sleep apnea. One way to find out is to take an at-home sleep test using a portable sleep apnea diagnostic device called WatchPAT.

Why do I wake up every 50 seconds?

Seems I would 'wake up' EVERY 50 SECONDS or so due to an apnea 'event', which usually means gasping for air due to obstruction. You become starved of oxygen and your body gasps for air, causing tremendous stress on the heart and brain, besides keeping your O2 levels below normal as well. With apnea, you never reach deep sleep ( REM sleep), as you are constantly interrupted by the gasping / apnea. Men and women can both have it. Long story short, this is a very dangerous condition that is highly likely to shorten your life, as well as disrupt every aspect of it in the meantime. Can result in sudden death well before your time.

Does vaping help with sleep apnea?

FYI, As far as I can tell, besides improving my general breathing, vaping has had no effect on my sleep apnea that I am aware of.

Can non smokers have sleep apnea?

Even non-smokers can have sleep apnea, it just depends on the cause of it. Usually its the soft palate in the back of the mouth collapses obstructing the airway, when the person sleeping stops breathing the body forces the sleeper awake by pushing adrenaline to the heart giving it a boost. When I was first tested I stopped breathing 116 times an hour on average. I didn't even know we took that many breaths in an hour. lol

Is vaping bad for your sleep?

Vaping with flavoured nicotine products have been associated with severe lung disease that is irreversible (bronchiolitis obliterans), and also interferes with sleep. If there is nicotine in your e-liquid, it will affect your sleep.

Can CPAP therapy help with sleep apnea?

Transitioning into CPAP therapy may be challenging for some people, although adherence to therapy is proven to treat sleep apnea. Some studies have also shown that CPAP adherence may even help you quit smoking. Smoking seriously impacts your ability to breathe and adds physical strain on your body, airway and lungs. Unfortunately, it has likely worsened your obstructive sleep apnea as well.

Can smoking and sleep apnea cause stroke?

Sleep apnea and smoking can independently impact your breathing, but together they have amplified negative effects on your airway.The combination of smoking and non-CPAP adherence is also made dangerous as they can both provoke similar risk factors related to stroke, diabetes, airway inflammation, high blood pressure and heart problems.

Does nicotine affect the brain?

Nicotine is a stimulant just like sugar and coffee, which can alter the expression of clock genes (circadian rhythm) in the lungs and the brain according to research, with long term effects.

Does smoking cause sleep apnea?

It’s no secret that smoking can seriously affect your health, but the consequences can be worse when sleep apnea is also present. If you smoke and have sleep apnea or know someone who does, you probably wondered how smoking affects sleep apnea and overall sleep.

Why is sleep apnea worse?

But sleep apnea tends to be worse during that deep-sleep period, called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, owing to its heightened state of relaxation, he explains. Thus, carving out adequate time for a night's rest is important, he says. On the other hand, sleep deprivation is often a consequence of sleep apnea, which may create a cruel cycle.

How many people with Type 2 diabetes have obstructive sleep apnea?

About 7 in 10 people with Type 2 diabetes also have obstructive sleep apnea, Singh says. The severity of the sleep disorder directly impacts diabetes symptoms; and, conversely, poor glucose control is linked with more severe sleep apnea.

How many people have sleep apnea?

Nearly 2 billion people worldwide have obesity, according to the World Health Organization, and almost 1 billion people worldwide are estimated to have sleep apnea, Sahni points out. "It's a huge connection, and it's underdiagnosed," she says.

What causes a smaller airway?

For some people, an anatomic abnormality may be the culprit. Enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum or a smaller-than-normal airway are among them, says Dr. David Schulman, a sleep medicine specialist with Emory Healthcare in Atlanta.

How to help sleep apnea?

Using positional therapy devices that make you sleep on your side can help with treating sleep apnea, she says. Options like slumberBUMP, which is essentially a belt with a pillow attached to the back, make it uncomfortable for individuals to sleep on their back, so they stay in a lateral position during their sleep, Singh explains.

Can you use CPAP for sleep apnea?

If you have sleep apnea, it's important to follow through with your treatment plan. Using CPAP less often than prescribed or skipping it altogether keeps sleep apnea from improving.

Does sleep apnea make you less active?

In addition, she says, "Patients with sleep apnea tend to be sleepier and more fatigued, which eventually will make you less physically active, which, again, can compound your risk of gaining weight. It's a vicious cycle."

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