Sleep apnea is an annoying condition. It can also be life threatening. This is why learning about the condition and how to treat it is so important. By reading the article that follows, it is possible to get a good start on doing just that.
A physician is the best person to ask about which CPAP machine is the right one to use for your specific situation. Among other considerations, inquire about how big the machine is and how noisy it is when it is operating. Some CPAP machines are small and are quiet. Your doctor will be familiar with them, so be sure to tap his knowledge.
One way to fight against sleep apnea is to give up vices. Two of the most common offenders are drinking and smoking. Drinking can overly relax your respiratory system and may cause breathing problems. Smoking adds harmful chemicals which damage your lungs over time. Dropping both these habits entirely will help ease the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Get a personally made mouth guard just for you. These special guards are designed to help people who suffer with sleep apnea. These mouth guards are more comfortable than a CPAP. It really helps keep the airways clear and keeps the soft tissues of the throat stable.
Mouth Guard
You really should cut down on your alcohol consumption. Alcohol causes all the muscles in your body to lose their tension. You might like the feeling, but it can contribute to or cause sleep apnea. Alcohol can relax the muscles in your throat, making it more difficult for your body to control your airway. If you are a person who needs a drink sometimes, then aim to not drink it very frequently. Definitely do not drink any immediately before hitting the sheets at night.
If you are suffering with sleep apnea due to having narrow airways, you should get yourself a mouth guard to use when sleeping. A sleep mouth guard will correct the airway and let you breathe correctly all night. Speak with a doctor about using a properly fitted mouth guard.
If you can, sleep on one of your sides. Sleep apnea sufferers tend to sleep on their back. When you sleep, your throat muscles relax, and back sleeping causes gravity to pull the relaxed muscles downward, restricting airflow. Try to sleep on your side to avoid that. If you think you might roll over anyway, try a wedge pillow.
Do you smoke and drink alcohol? Stop these bad habits. These items can harm your airways. Alcohol relaxes your airways, and tobacco causes it to swell. If you are unable to walk away from these habits forever, at least avoid them prior to sleeping.
Always carry ID on you if you’re a sleep apnea sufferer who uses a CPAP machine. If tragedy strikes, it will be important for help to know you require the assistance of a CPAP machine. Your ID needs to mention your sleep apnea, your CPAP use and your CPAP pressure settings.
You can really cut back on your sleep apnea by giving up alcohol and smoking. Both of these habits are bad for the muscles in your air passage and can worsen apnea. Avoiding these temptations can put more money back in your pocket, and is a lot more cost effective than expensive surgeries that may no longer be necessary.
If what you are doing at home isn’t working well enough to help your sleep apnea, then you should consult with a doctor to explore some additional treatment options. There are many treatment options available, some which do not work well with some everyone. But there are other methods of treatment, such as surgical techniques which include airway enlargement, as well as the removal of adenoids and tonsils
Lose weight if you need to. Although it might not be the main cause, being overweight makes sleep apnea worse. Losing a little weight can have a big affect on your sleep apnea. Try a calorie restriction diet and exercise.
An excellent method of reducing your sleep apnea symptoms is simply losing some weight. Lots of people have found they can eliminate their sleep apnea by dropping all their excess fat. Just losing a few percentage points of your starting weight can dramatically reduce your symptoms of sleep apnea, as well create more space in your throat and air passages.
Get a custom mouth guard. They make these mouth guards specifically for people that suffer from sleep apnea. This is a good alternative to using the CPAP machine. The mouth guard helps by keeping the airway open and providing stability for the soft tissues.
Stick with a single ordinary pillow when you go to sleep. An over-sized pillow or multiple pillows can actually skew your position. This may put you in a position that can adversely affect your breathing. With this in mind, use only a single pillow to minimize sleep apnea symptoms.
Sleep Apnea
If you are having issues with your nose, you can use nasal spray. You will get relief from this for a little while. If you use nasal spray alot you may damage it. Visit a pharmacy to find a variety of ways of keeping your nose clear as you sleep.
Everybody knows sleep apnea can take a toll on the body. It robs people of their energy to get through life each day, it causes negative changes in behavior and many more things. It can cause suffering to the person who have it as well as others who spend time with those who have it. Apply the things you’ve just learned, and start managing your sleep apnea tonight.
Consulting a doctor is important, but there are several options you can try at home. Losing weight and stopping smoking are always good, but are especially so for those who suffer from sleep apnea. You should also refrain from consuming alcohol, heavy meals, and caffeine for a few hours before bed.