Sleep apnea is a condition that often goes undiagnosed in sufferers and can vary in severity of occurrences. Collapsed airways makes it difficult for sleep apnea sufferers to get an adequate amount of air while sleeping. Although this sleep disorder can be fatal, many treatments are available to decrease the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Speak with your doctor about getting a mouth guard that will help alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. The natural configuration of your jaw and airway passages may be conducive to the conditions associated with sleep apnea. You can get better rest if you wear a custom mouth guard that aligns your jaw properly.
Do you smoke and drink? Break these unhealthy habits right away. Both of these things affect your airway negatively and compound your sleep apnea problem. 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 you cannot get rid of these habits for good, make an effort to avoid smoking or drinking before you go to bed.
Avoid alcohol if you have sleep apnea. Consuming alcohol causes your muscles to relax too much. Although many users find this to be one of the benefits of drinking, it tends to make the effects of sleep apnea much more serious. Your throat muscles may be affected, causing breathing difficulties. Try your best to limit your drinking if you do decide to have alcohol, and try to not have any right before bed.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is generally determined by looking at your family and medical history, along with a physical exam. Your doctor may recommend a sleep study as well. When your doctor has this information, he passes it on to a specialist who can help you even more.
If sleep apnea is an issue for you, and you are a smoker or drinker of alcohol, consider quitting to help with your symptoms. These habits can cause airways to relax too much, which can worsen sleep apnea and snoring. Unlike those medical interventions or pricey surgeries, eliminating these habits can save you money.
Try to sleep on a regular schedule if you have sleep apnea. An irregular sleep pattern only aggravates the sleep apnea condition. So, anything that you can find that will help rebuild healthy sleep patterns is a must to help you live a healthier lifestyle. The biggest parts are going to bed and getting up at the identical times each and every day.
Learning how to play a wind instrument is something which can help ease the symptoms of your sleep apnea. Researchers around the world have implied that the musical instrument, the didgeridoo, can be used to make airway muscles stronger. You can stiffen your throat muscles which will help them get more air to flow through them. So, if you play this instrument on a daily basis, it will help to limit the sleep apnea symptoms which in turn will give you a good night’s sleep.
If you use a CPAP, then ensure a medical ID is carried with you at all times. You need to have a way of letting medical personnel know about your condition if you are unconscious. This ID should say that you have apnea, that you use CPAP, and that your machine has to be set at a certain pressure level.
Sleep apnea is no joke. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, see your doctor right away. If he says you have sleep apnea you should go to a sleep specialist so that you can get tested further.
If you need to be hospitalized for some reason, be sure that you take your CPAP machine with you to the hospital. If the hospitalization was planned or for an emergency, you should still be sure that your CPAP and your mask are brought with you to be used while you’re there. You have already set the pressure to the appropriate level, and you are accustomed to the mask that you have been using nightly. Having your own familiar equipment eases the strangeness of being in the hospital, and helps you sleep more restfully.
Sleep on your side in order to get some better sleep. Back sleeping promotes airway obstruction. Make a conscious effort to fall asleep on your side, and that will probably reduce some of the symptoms caused by your sleep apnea.
You should consult with a medical professional about the more intensive sleep apnea treatments available to you if your symptoms don’t respond to the basic steps you take. A small percentage of patients don’t react to the common treatments, and as a result, surgery may be their only option, which includes enlarging the airway or removing the tonsils.
Sleeping Pills
Just use one pillow when you sleep at night. Larger or stacked pillows can put your airways in an awkward position and limit your breathing. You’ll be resting in such a way that makes breathing difficult. Because of this you should only use one pillow for easier sleeping.
Try something besides sleeping pills. In the same way that alcohol does, sleeping pills over-relax throat muscles. They can also cause a significant number of additional complications for sleep apnea patients. Stress relief through meditation or exercise can also help you fall asleep safely.
Nasal sprays can help you sleep when your nose is being a nuisance to you. This will help to clear your airways temporarily. Don’t use the product over a long period of time, though; that could cause damage to your nose. Take a trip to the drugstore and find a nasal cleaner that suits you.
If you are not sleeping with a partner, then it’s almost impossible to determine if you’re suffering from sleep apnea on your own. Think about recording your sleep patterns. Make sure the video has sound as well, so that your doctor can hear your breathing.
Although professional medical advice is always warranted in treating sleep apnea, you can try out a few treatments on your own, too. Stopping smoking and shedding weight is a great start, especially for anyone dealing with sleep apnea. You will definitely want to stay away from alcohol and caffeine, along with late night heavy meals before going to bed.
Take your CPAP anywhere you go, even if you make a trip to the hospital. Your CPAP machine should be with you whether you’re admitted to the hospital or visiting the emergency room. This is because it is already customized to the pressure you need, and the mask won’t be awkward. You’ll be able to resume your CPAP therapy much easier by having these things in the hospital with you.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is imperative that you stop smoking. Smoking causes your throat to swell and that will make your condition even more difficult to deal with. In order to stop smoking you should think about a cessation program or one of those nicotine replacement therapies. Usually the first 30 or so days is the hardest part. Over time, you’ll find you need and/or want nicotine less.
Hopefully, you now know more about how this terrible condition can impact those who suffer from it. Contact your doctor for more information on the condition and to discuss treatments that will work for you.
Spending time exercising your throat muscles may significantly increase the complications of sleep apnea. The reduced airflow characteristic of sleep apnea is due to soft tissue in the throat relaxing. Stronger muscles are not as likely to collapse.