140. How to Manage Sleep Apnea during Long Flights

Have you ever been on a long flight and struggled to get a good night’s sleep? For those who suffer from sleep apnea, this can be an even bigger challenge. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. And when you add the challenges of a long flight into the mix, managing sleep apnea can become even more difficult. In this blog post, we will discuss how to manage sleep apnea during long flights and provide helpful tips to ensure you get the rest you need to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.

First, it’s important to understand the potential triggers for sleep apnea during flights. The low humidity and pressurized air in the cabin can cause the airways to become dry and inflamed, making it harder to breathe properly. Additionally, sitting in a cramped space for an extended period of time can make it difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Here are some tips to help manage sleep apnea during long flights:

1. Talk to Your Doctor
Before embarking on a long flight, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your sleep apnea. They may be able to prescribe medication or provide other recommendations to help you manage your symptoms during the flight. They may also suggest using a portable CPAP machine, which can help keep your airways open and improve your breathing while you sleep.

2. Choose Your Seat Wisely
When booking your flight, try to choose a seat that will be most comfortable for you. Aim for an aisle seat, which will give you more space to move around and stretch your legs. Avoid sitting in the middle or window seat, as you may feel more confined and have less room to move.

3. Bring Your Own Pillow and Blanket
While airlines typically provide pillows and blankets, they may not be as comfortable as what you are used to at home. Bringing your own pillow and blanket can help you feel more at ease and make it easier for you to fall asleep.

4. Stay Hydrated
As mentioned before, the low humidity in the cabin can dry out your airways and make it harder to breathe. To combat this, make sure to drink plenty of water before and during your flight. This will help keep your airways moist and make it easier to breathe.

5. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Stress and anxiety can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms, so it’s important to try to relax as much as possible during the flight. You can try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listen to soothing music to help you relax and fall asleep.

6. Adjust Your Sleeping Position
Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be challenging on a plane. However, some positions may be more conducive to managing sleep apnea. Sleeping on your side may help keep your airways open and reduce snoring. You can also try elevating your head with a neck pillow or reclining your seat slightly to make it easier to breathe.

7. Consider an Overnight Flight
If possible, consider booking an overnight flight. This will give you the opportunity to sleep during your natural sleep cycle and may make it easier for you to get a good night’s rest.

In addition to these tips, it’s also important to take care of yourself before and during the flight. Make sure to get enough rest leading up to your trip and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can disrupt sleep. During the flight, try to get up and move around every hour or so to improve circulation and avoid stiffness.

By following these tips, you can better manage your sleep apnea during long flights and arrive at your destination feeling well-rested. However, if you continue to struggle with sleep apnea, it’s important to talk to your doctor about additional treatment options.

Link: [https://www.sleepapnea.org/how-to-manage-sleep-apnea-during-long-flights/]

In summary, sleep apnea can be a challenge to manage during long flights, but there are steps you can take to improve your sleep and reduce symptoms. By talking to your doctor, choosing the right seat, bringing your own comfort items, staying hydrated, practicing relaxation techniques, adjusting your sleeping position, and considering an overnight flight, you can better manage your sleep apnea and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.