Staying Cozy in Winter: Tips for Sleep Apnea and ENT Conditions

Cold weather can exasperate ENT conditions such as tinnitus, vertigo, and respiratory disorders like sleep apnea. Help your patients stay healthy and comfortable during winter by explaining how cold weather affects their health and offering suggestions for navigating the season.  

Coexisting Conditions 

Both tinnitus and vertigo are medical conditions that originate from the inner ear. Recent studies reveal that obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of sleep apnea, is significantly associated with a higher incidence of both these conditions. During a sleep apnea event, disrupted breathing results in a series of starts and stops due to a narrowing or blocking of the upper airways. These breathing interruptions result in the symptomatic snoring and gasping for air often associated with this sleep condition. As airways narrow, breathing becomes more complex, resulting in a chain reaction with blood oxygen levels dropping due to the body not getting enough air. Researchers theorize that these reduced oxygen levels may also damage the cochlear or inner ear cells. 

The Cold Weather Effect 

As temperatures drop, the air becomes colder and drier while humidity lessens. Dry air reduces the effectiveness of the mucous that naturally works to prevent viruses from entering the nasal passages. New research from Healthline confirms that cold air temperatures lower the immune response in the nose, adding to the risk of infection. The risk of bacteria entering the upper respiratory system increases and can travel to the ears, causing an ear infection. 

 As nose breathing becomes more complex, mouth breathing may take over, resulting in cold air drying the throat. A dry mouth is associated with comorbidities, including congestion, headaches, coughing, and dizziness. 

Navigating Winter with Sleep Apnea 

Simple lifestyle changes can help reduce the effects of winter's cold dry air and alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. Consistent, high-quality sleep will help build immunity, which helps fight off colds and other seasonal viruses. Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet also help build immunity and are sound advice all year.  

Good sleep hygiene includes keeping the bedroom quiet and on the cooler side. It's natural to turn up the thermostat during winter, but the National Sleep Foundation recommends a room temperature of 60-67 degrees. Our body temperature naturally drops to initiate sleep, so a room that is too warm prevents the body from regulating temperature naturally. A humidifier can add much-needed moisture to the air, which helps to combat nasal dryness. An air purifier can eliminate dust mites and pet dander, two of the most common airborne allergens. 

Adapting CPAP to Cold Weather 

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, is the most common treatment for sleep-related disorders, including sleep apnea. All CPAP devices work by pressuring and filtering air delivered through a hose and mask you wear while sleeping. When winter air is drier and colder, breathing with CPAP may be less comfortable. Adding humidification to CPAP helps eliminate the problems associated with dry mouth. Some machines have humidifiers, and others can have this function added. A DME supplier can determine the best CPAP equipment for your patients’ needs. 

Rainout is a common problem when warmed, humidified air cools off in the CPAP tubing, resulting in condensation that works its way up through the tubing and mask to the face.  

Solutions include warming the tubing by placing it under the covers or for those who move around while sleeping; tube covers can heat the tubing and avoid condensation. Some equipment has heated tubing or sensors that automatically adjust the temperature to prevent condensation. Regular cleaning and supply replacement will keep CPAP working effectively in the colder months. 

Telehealth: Manage Winter’s Health Challenges  

Don’t let the challenges of winter get in the way of your patients’ healthcare needs. Telehealth solutions help simplify and streamline care so patients can be more comfortable in the winter months. Tinnitus, vertigo, and sleep apnea coexist with alarming frequently, so it is essential to provide supportive, expert care for your patients. 

BetterNight offers a convenient and flexible virtual solution for screening, diagnosing, and treating sleep apnea. A supportive network of over 300 sleep industry professionals provides counseling and support not only when the temperature drops but all year round.