Sleep apnea could be getting in the way of you getting solid sleep, but don’t let that happen for much longer. Sleep apnea can be potentially dangerous and there are too many people who mistakenly assume it’s not a big deal. If you’re struggling with the symptoms of sleep apnea, you may well find the suggestions presented below to be extremely helpful.
Try getting rid of bad habits to better your sleep apnea. The worst thing you can do to contribute to sleep apnea by drinking and smoking. Drinking affects the respiratory system. Cigarettes can hurt your lungs, possibly even causing lung cancer. If you can give up these bad habits, you’ll see a significant reduction in your sleep apnea symptoms.
One of the reasons many people suffer from sleep apnea is because they are carrying excessive weight. The obvious solution is to lose the excess weight. These people should set themselves up with a weight-loss plan that involves exercise and calorie reduction. It may be worth it to look into diet plans that reduce the amount of carbohydrates that you eat.
Mouth Guard
If your narrow airways are causing sleep apnea, get a mouth guard designed for sleeping. These devices correct your airways and they help you breathe properly. Talk to your doctor about whether or not a mouth guard can solve your sleep apnea problem.
You must use your CPAP at least 4 hours nightly after receiving your unit. It can be extremely difficult for some patients to get used to sleeping with a CPAP. In order for your CPAP therapy to be effective, you need to use it at least four hours a day. If you find it hard to get used to your CPAP, use it for only 4 hours at a go.
Avoid drinking much alcohol. Your muscles get relaxed too much. While this might often be a desirable side effect of drinking, it can also cause sleep apnea. Alcohol will relax the throat muscles, which ends up making it harder for the body to control the airways. If eliminating it is not an option, cut back and make sure you do it well before bedtime.
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition. It’s important to seek medical advice as soon as you suspect you may be suffering from it. If the doctor determines you are suffering with sleep apnea, you should consult with someone who specializes in this disorder in order to effectively treat the condition.
Chin Strap
Use a chin strap with your CPAP each night to prevent your mouth from opening as you sleep. The chin strap is a fabric strap that supports your chin to keep your mouth shut. The CPAP only works if the mouth is closed, so try using the strap.
Always carry ID on you if you’re a sleep apnea sufferer who uses a CPAP machine. If you need medical attention, it’s crucial that others realize that you’ve got sleep apnea and that you use a CPAP. Your ID should clearly state all information relevant to your sleep apnea, including what pressure level setting you use for your CPAP.
No matter where you travel, you must bring your CPAP if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. You ought not to go a single night without the CPAP if you have sleep apnea. You should have a travel bag that is padded that came with the machine. The bag should be used to secure your CPAP during all of your travels.
Snoring devices may serve your needs with sleep apnea. When the airway is mostly closed, snoring occurs. Apnea on the other hand, occurs when the airway is completely closed. A device that can eliminate snoring can also relieve sleep apnea. Use an anti-snoring device when you sleep.
Sleep Apnea
Do not sleep on your back if sleep apnea affects you. Sleep apnea strikes back sleepers the most. Try using a pillow or some cushions to keep yourself propped on your side when you are in bed.
How you sleep can affect your condition. Thus, it is critical to sleep with your body in the proper position. Attempt to use pillows or foam wedges to help you stay in a good position to sleep in. An even better idea is to lift the top part of the bed by about four inches, if you can.
Sleeping on your back can make your sleep apnea worse, so try to fall asleep on your side. To keep yourself from rolling over onto your back when you are asleep, you can sew a lumpy object, such as a ball, onto your pajamas. You can sew a pocket onto the back of your pajama shirt to put the ball or socks in.
Anyone who has sleep apnea should avoid laying on their back during sleep. Sleeping while flat on your back often results in airway constriction, reducing the amount of sleep you get. You could try sleeping on your side or in a semi-reclining position propped up with pillows.
You can not short yourself when it comes to sleep. Do what you must to rest enough and rest well. Keep the advice you’ve read in mind to help you decide what to do about sleep apnea.