If you or someone you know has been having trouble dealing with sleep for a long time, then perhaps they may be affected by something called sleep apnea. Don’t ignore your sleep apnea, and be sure to get your partner on board for treatment consultations. Read through this article to learn more.
Some people’s sleep apnea can be traced to morbid obesity. Every attempt should be made to lose weight if a person is overweight and has sleep apnea. Anyone in this situation should stick to a sensible diet, in combination with a good amount of exercise. After a couple of weeks you should see a difference with how much sleep apnea effects you.
If your narrow airways are causing sleep apnea, get a mouth guard designed for sleeping. These devices are designed to correct your airways and allow you to breathe properly during the night. Speak with a doctor about using a properly fitted mouth guard.
Do you smoke or drink? Get rid of behaviors that are not good for you. Both of these substances have a negative effect on your ability to breathe while sleeping. Alcohol use will lead to over-relaxation of your airways, making sleep apnea symptoms worse, while smoking can have a similar effect by constricting them. If losing these habits is not possible, then at least limit yourself before going to bed.
Sleep Apnea
Speak with your doctor about treating your sleep apnea with a dental mouth piece. There may be genetic reasons you suffer from sleep apnea. Your airway may be naturally thin or your jaw may interfere with breathing during sleep. Custom devices that control the position of an irregular attribute that you possess can give you a great deal of relief.
If you are carrying a few extra pounds, it may be time to lose them. Multiple research projects demonstrate the connection between sleep apnea and being overweight. Therefore, just losing twenty pounds or so could help provide significant relief from your sleep apnea.
If you have a prescription for sleep apnea and you are prescribed a CPAP, you should at least use it four hours every night. Some people find the machine difficult to get accustomed to. However, it needs to be used for four hours each night for it to be effective. If you have a tough time with it, be sure you have the right size mask, and that the pressure is working right.
Swear off sleeping pills. Sleep medicines often contain relaxants which only make your airway more likely to collapse. These pills can become very dangerous if you have a bad case of sleep apnea; even though you might be tempted to use them to stay asleep, this is definitely not a good solution.
Nasal Spray
Try a good nasal spray to take care of nighttime nasal congestion. This product should help clear your airways for a night or two. Don’t overuse nasal spray though, it can cause your nose damage and irritate it. Talk to your pharmacist about your options.
Stop smoking if you have sleep apnea. Upper airways have a tendency to swell in smokers and increases the likelihood of sleep apnea. Try out nicotine patches or gum to get rid of your sleep apnea. Many people have the most difficulty during the initial month. Beyond that, it becomes easier as your body detoxes from the nicotine.
If you ever have the occasion to fly for travel and you have sleep apnea, be sure to inform the airline that you will be bringing along your CPAP machine. It is important that you have enough space for your medically necessary device. If you are using a foreign airline, pack a power adapter that will fit their outlets.
Hot Bath
If you become anxious about your sleep apnea, try taking a hot bath every night before bedtime. A hot bath will reduce your tension and make you feel more relaxed. Therefore, you can sleep better without waking up because of apnea symptoms.
Adjusting your sleeping position so that you don’t lie flat on your back can help if you’re dealing with sleep apnea. Lying on your back when you sleep makes it easier for your airways to become blocked. Attempt sleeping on your side. Should this be unnatural for you, use pillows to keep you in position on your side during the night.
Be sure to see your doctor to participate in a sleep test if you suspect you may have sleep apnea. This procedure will let you know if you’re suffering with sleep apnea and what you are dealing with. After that, you will need to know how to treat the condition, even when suffering with a mild case.
Sleep on your side as opposed to your back after you find out suffer from sleep apnea. Sleeping on your back increases the chances that your airways will collapse as the night goes on. To counter the effects of gravity on your throat muscles, it’s best to sleep in a sideways position.
Making the throat muscles strong can help to reduce sleep apnea. If you want to learn exercises that can make your throat stronger, do a little research; there are plenty available.
Find a support group to join. Sleep apnea is common, but most people do not get it. Your friends and family may be supportive, but can’t always know what you are going through. It’s important to look for a group who can support you specifically for this disorder. If you are not comfortable with a group in your area, you can join one of many sleep apnea groups online.
The above article has provided you with helpful tips. If you think that your sleep apnea will just go away on its own, you are making a dangerous bet. This information can be shared with others to educate them about sleep apnea.