Does Aromatherapy Help with Sleep Apnea?

Believe it or not, scent can influence everything from your mood to your memories. In fact, the effect of fragrance on the brain is so powerful that a connection known as “Proust Phenomenon” where the brain recognizes a scent has been found to instantly help people remember past experiences and situations. But when it comes to falling asleep with sleep apnea, many people wonder if different aromas can help. Here’s a closer look at which scents might assist you in getting a peaceful night’s rest with OSA.

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

Aromatherapy works by triggering signals to the brain’s limbic system through the nose’s olfactory receptors. This can affect everything from your mood, memory, and even your stress responses by influencing your hormones and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. When you use essential oils to help fall asleep, they signal your brain to relax, reducing stress and anxiety and lowering your heart rate and blood pressure to calm your brain activity.

Which Essential Oils Can Help with Sleep Apnea?

No matter what you’re trying to achieve, chances are there’s an essential oil that can help. For sleep apnea patients, using aromatherapy is perfectly safe. Here are a few scents you can diffuse to help assist you in falling asleep:

• Peppermint Oil – This oil can help boost brain function and clear your sinuses, making it easier to breathe.
• Lavender Oil – Lavender is famous for its relaxing properties. It works by triggering melatonin production that can help induce sleep.
• Eucalyptus Oil – This is another excellent option if you suffer from sinus congestion, as it can it assist with breaking up mucus in the airway to improve breathing.

How to Use Essential Oils

There are many safe, effective methods for diffusing essential oils, but to help you fall asleep, it is best to use an oil diffuser that dilutes the oil in water. This will allow you to breathe in a steady stream while you sleep and will not be so concentrated that it causes any side effects.

Other Ways to Get Proper Sleep

In addition to diffusing essential oils, if you are struggling from sleep apnea, it’s time to see a trained sleep dentist for help. They can assist you with finding solutions like sleep appliances that safely and comfortably allow you to rest without the need for CPAP therapy. To learn more about how treatment can get you the sleep you deserve, schedule a consultation with your dentist today.

About Dr. Romack

Dr. Deborah Romack earned her dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1998 and has practiced in Weatherford ever since. Since 2005, she has been passionate about treating airway obstruction, snoring, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). To schedule a consultation for sleep apnea at Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, visit our website or call us today at 817-594-3806.