Sleep apnea is a condition that often goes undiagnosed in sufferers and can vary in severity of occurrences. This disorder occurs when the airway partially collapses during sleep, and this hinders a person’s ability to breathe properly. For more information about this terrible condition, continue ahead to the article below.
Try cutting out cigarettes and alcohol if you have sleep apnea. Both of these bad habits make the airways relax too much, making sleep apnea worse. Unlike costly surgeries or other medical interventions, dropping these habits will actually save you money.
A physician is the best person to ask about which CPAP machine is the right one to use for your specific situation. The machine size and how loud it is are things you should think about. Quality CPAP machines are nearly noise-free and easily fit on a bedside table. Your doctor can recommend which machines his patients have had the most success with.
Shed a bit of weight if you can. Sleep apnea and obesity are often tied together. You may cure sleep apnea by just shedding twenty pounds.
Regular practice on a wind instrument can minimize some of your sleep apnea symptoms. Researchers in Germany have found playing a didgeridoo can make your throat muscles stronger. These muscles control your airway. Because of this, playing it regularly can help you breathe better when you sleep.
Try using a mouth guard to help you sleep. Some guards are made to treat sleep apnea. Many people find they can adjust to wearing a mouth guard every night while they sleep much more easily than they can get used to wearing a CPAP mask. These mouth guards help you by making sure your airways remain open by giving your soft tissues a stabilizing hand.
Mouth Guard
Even children can suffer from sleep apnea. When you notice that your child wakes up tired each day, is hard to wake up in the morning, is angry or rude or their grades are suffering at school, poor sleep due to sleep apnea could be the culprit. Sometimes, sleep apnea is confused with ADHD, and you should consult your doctor for the proper diagnosis.
Have your dentist fit you for a custom mouth guard. Some guards are made to treat sleep apnea. It is a more comfortable alternative to using a CPAP machine. A mouth guard will work by positioning the jaw and tongue in a helpful way that will allow for easier breathing while asleep.
Some cases of sleep apnea are quite severe. It’s important to seek medical advice as soon as you suspect you may be suffering from it. Once you know whether or not you have it for sure, you can figure out how to deal with it.
Are you using a CPAP for your sleep apnea? If so, then you should try to utilize it a minimum of four hours per night. Using a CPAP while sleeping is a tough adjustment for many patients to make. Keep in mind your CPAP device should be used at least four hours per night for it to help you. Starting at just four hours per session can help you ease into adjusting to your CPAP.
Sleep on your side in order to get some better sleep. By sleeping on your back, you’ll notice that your throat and nasal passages may become obstructed. Be sure to go to sleep sideways and find out if that helps you to sleep tonight.
Even children can suffer from sleep apnea. If you child seems to be distracted in class, cannot focus, and is breathing through his mouth, then he may have sleep apnea. This may mimic ADHD, so be sure your doctor is investigating all the causes before making a diagnosis.
Don’t take sleeping pills if you can avoid it. Just like alcohol, taking sleeping pills will make your throat muscles relax. They also can cause other harmful issues to make your sleep apnea worse. Consult with your doctor about what you should take besides sleeping pills.
Always discuss your sleep apnea problem with your doctor, but also try some self-help treatments. Losing weight and stopping smoking are always good, but are especially so for those who suffer from sleep apnea. It is also important to avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine and heavy meals at least two hours prior to going to sleep.
Give sleeping on your sides a try. Some sleep apnea patients lay on their backs. Sleeping on your back can cause the tissues in your mouth and throat to block your airway. Sleeping on your side makes breathing significantly easier. If you usually sleep on your back, make a conscious effort to change your ways.
Now that you’ve read the above article, you probably understand how sleep apnea affects a person’s life. You must talk to a doctor for more information, whether you just want to learn more or you think you have it.
If you sleep alone, you might have a hard time determining if you suffer from sleep apnea. You can always set up a camcorder to make a video of a typical night’s sleep. The video should also have audio to listen for any noises.