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Home Smoking and Sleep Apnea

Smoking and Sleep Apnea


Woman holding a broken cigaretteSmoking cigarettes has dropped in the U.S. by significant percentages. Though, this doesn’t mean that smoking in general has disappeared. Smoking tobacco through cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and smoking marijuana can all impact your tissue increasing your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. At All Smiles Sleep Solutions, we can discuss treatment methods and help you get adequate oxygen while you sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when a person is unable to get the air they need while they sleep because the airway is either partially or fully blocked. Smoke, however it is taken in, is bad for your tissue and upper airway. This includes smoking, burning yard waste, and even campfires. The difference is burning yard waste and campfires is often a short term, temporary burn. People generally only participate in these activities on rare occasions. Smoking cigarettes is something that people who smoke tend to do daily, if not multiple times a day, and inhale. This means that they are being exposed to smoke much more frequently and directly.

What is the Parallel Between Smoking and Sleep Apnea?


We often hear patients express confusion of how smoking can be related to sleep apnea. Or, they display doubt having heard the many health risks before but do not understand the severity. We like to share the science and how the body responds negatively, including to their windpipe and ability to breathe sufficiently.
•  Smoking Tobacco and Sleep Apnea: Smoking creates an environment for sleep apnea, increased mucus or post-nasal drip, inflamed tissue in the upper airway, and the physical changes that come from nicotine. What smokers like about tobacco is the relaxation that comes from nicotine. In addition to calming your nerves, nicotine also causes relaxation of the muscles in your throat and upper airway leading to a narrowing of the windpipe.
•  Smoking E-Cigarettes and Sleep Apnea: Some patients think that they are avoiding the negative effects of smoking through the use of e-cigarettes, but the research doesn’t show this. Vapor has been shown to still cause inflammation of the upper airway and increased mucus production in the nasal cavity. This makes it more difficult to breathe, especially in a laying down position.
•  Smoking Marijuana and Sleep Apnea: Information is still being gathered on marijuana and sleep apnea, but the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reported that marijuana has not been shown to be safe or effective for sleep apnea. Initial studies show that there are some positive aspects to help people become sleepy and relaxed, helping with insomnia, but the inflammation of tissue can still cause problems in the upper airway.

We are happy to discuss the correlations between smoking and sleep apnea. In addition, while quitting smoking may not guarantee your sleep apnea condition will disappear, it has been shown to make treatment options more effective. Being able to breathe effectively is better for your immediate and long term health; we can help.
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All Smiles Sleep Solutions
17200 Camelot Ct. UNIT 101,
Land O’Lakes, FL 34638-7279
Call 813-345-8580

Satellite Location:
1180 Ponce DeLeon, Suite 401
Clearwater, FL 34756
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All Smiles Sleep Solutions - Dr. Joseph Grimaudo DMD, 17200 Camelot Ct. UNIT 101, Land O’Lakes, FL 34638 : 813-345-8580 : allsmilessleepsolutions.com : 2/16/2025 : Related Terms: Sleep Apnea Land O Lakes FL :