Smoking and Sleep
Cigarette Smoking and Sleep Disorders
It may be common knowledge that many smokers turn to cigarettes to relax and feel calmer, but what many smokers overlook is the connection between smoking and sleep disorders. The truth of the matter is that cigarette smoking is among the main causes of sleep disorders, which can lead to not only disturbances in quality of sleep, but also sleep apnea and snoring.
Smoking and Sleep – Nicotine, Adrenaline and Sleep Apnea
The main problem when it comes to smoking and sleep is that cigarettes contain nicotine, a stimulant that keeps you awake. Contrary to the popular belief that cigarette smoking calms you down, it instead stimulates the mind and body thus hindering your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Smoking also increases your risk for developing sleep apnea.
Another link between smoking and sleeping involves the induced release of adrenaline that results from cigarette smoking, which also disrupts the natural sleep cycles. The combination of this adrenaline response along with the stimulating effects of nicotine keeps smokers from experiencing normal deep sleep. In the absence of this quality restorative sleep, smokers may feel exhausted throughout the day.
Smoking, Sleeping and Snoring
Since a smoker’s lungs are not efficient enough, their smoking can also induce snoring or make snoring worse. Bouts of snoring throughout the night may wake a sleeping smoker frequently throughout the night thus breaking the natural sleeping pattern. The sleeping smoker may have no recollection of these sleep disturbances, but they will surely take toll on his or her ability to wake feeling restored and refreshed.
Additional Problems Linked to Smoking and Sleep
The problems with smoking and sleep also affect any non-smokers kept awake through the night because of the smoker’s coughing and snoring. Infants of mothers who smoke are also at risk, as they are two times more likely to have sleeping disorders than infants of non-smoking mothers.
Disclaimer: Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease.
