If your loved one regularly wakes in the night short of breath, it may be because of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is something that should not be ignored, and you and your sleeping partner need to be aware of this. Read on to get more knowledge about sleep apnea.
If you want to beat your apnea and get a healthy dose of sleep, roll onto your side the next time you go to sleep. When you sleep on your back, the airways get obstructed due to the throat and nasal passages being more prone to obstruction. Make it a habit of falling asleep on your side, which hopefully does alleviate some of these sleep apnea symptoms.
Depending on the condition that is causing your sleep apnea, you may be able to find a simple tool to improve your sleep. They are designed to help you breathe properly at night by aligning your airways. Ask your doctor to help you get fitted for a mouth guard.
Your physician may suggest that you start recording your sleeping habits in order to zero in on your sleep apnea symptoms. You will write down how many hours you sleep throughout the night, and any other symptoms you experience. The person you sleep next to can alert you to your snoring, if you stop breathing or you move your limbs suddenly. Your doctor will then be able to tell if you suffer from sleep apnea.
Some people believe that you can strengthen you upper airway muscles by playing a musical instrument belonging to the woodwind family. Researchers in Germany found that playing a didgeridoo can train and strengthen the muscles of the upper airway. The upper air passage muscles control the size of your airway. Because of these movements, if you play this instrument regularly, you can control your sleep apnea symptoms and get a better night’s rest.
If you are using a CPAP and experience an issue with your mouth opening during sleep, a chin strap can help. It is a simple cloth strap that can easily hold up your chin as you sleep. Use this device to solve this annoying problem, as leaving it unfixed will make your CPAP therapy ineffective.
Mouth Guards
If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP, be sure to carry a medical ID with you. Upon need for help and medical attention, your condition must be known. Your ID should include your use of CPAP and the pressure level at which your CPAP must be set.
Mouth guards can be custom fit. Mouth guards help keep your jaw in a proper position. It’s a good way to get around having to use a CPAP machine, and feels better to wear throughout the night. The soft tissues in your throat can collapse when you sleep at night, and wearing a mouth guard can help to keep your airway unobstructed.
Always have your CPAP machine with you while you sleep, even if it happens to be during a hospital stay. You need to have your CPAP along with the mask, with you at all times while you’re there. Your own CPAP machine will be set to the pressure recommended by your sleep specialist, so you won’t have to get used to a new machine. This will facilitate your CPAP therapy during your hospital stay.
Keep a regular sleeping schedule to lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea. Your condition is already messing with your regular sleep cycle every night. A natural pattern of sleep will help you gain your health back and also avoid daytime sleepiness. You should go to bed at the same hour every single day.
Sleep apnea symptoms can be worse if you also have allergies or other sinus related issues. Your condition already causes you to have trouble breathing while you sleep. There’s no reason to compound your troubles by suffering through other problems that make it harder to breathe. Try and clear your airways as much as possible, and keep your nasal problems to a minimum.
Remember to bring the CPAP machine with you if you should happen to require a stay at the hospital. Your CPAP is set to your specifications so it will be easier for medical staff to help you out because you already have your own device. The machine is pre-set to your specifications and you have the benefit of wearing the mask you are already familiar with. Doing so will make your hospitalization easier because you can continue to do your CPAP therapy.
Only sleep with a single pillow of standard size. An over-sized pillow, or a pile of multiple pillows, can alter your sleep position with negative impacts on your ability to breathe freely. Your breathing will become more difficult for you to complete during sleep. You can minimize the impact your sleep apnea has by using just a single pillow in bed.
Sleep Apnea
Stop putting yourself at risk for sleep apnea. Be aware that certain risk factors, like gender and genes, cannot be changed. But many others can be easily avoided, like smoking and drinking.
If you have sleep apnea, consider dropping some weight. Many people find that they can completely correct sleep apnea by losing excess weight. Loosing even a little weight can allow you to breathe more freely and get a good night’s sleep.
Do not drink too much alcohol if you have sleep apnea. Alcohol makes the throat muscles over-relax, resulting in blocked airways and snoring. Avoiding alcohol altogether is best, but if you must drink then limit yourself to one drink taken several hours before bedtime. That way, your sleep will not be affected.
You should use only one normal-sized pillow each night to sleep on. Over-sized pillows may lead to you sleeping in an unhealthy position. Pillows that lift your head can cramp the airways that you need to be open to be able to breathe properly as you sleep. Because of this, you should really just have one good pillow to help with symptoms of sleep apnea.
It’s a good idea to try to sleep on your side rather than your back if you’re struggling with sleep apnea. Something with an odd shape sewn into your sleeping attire can prevent you from returning to the back position whilst sleeping. You can sew a pocket onto the back of your pajama shirt to put the ball or socks in.
If your nose is bothering you, use a nasal spray. This will help to clear your airways temporarily. However, never use this spray over a long period of time, since it can cause your nose to irritated and damaged. Head to your pharmacy to see what your options are to deal with your nose bothering you in your sleep.
There are many simple solutions people suffering from sleep apnea can use to get better quality sleep. Make sure you establish a regular bedtime, and adhere to it every night. Also see to it that your bedroom is ideal for good sleep. Don’t sleep in a room that you won’t have a comfortable time sleeping in.
You might want to look into anti-snoring devices. Snoring is precursor to sleep apnea. Snoring indicates the airway is blocked. Sleep apnea indicates the airway is fully blocked for a period of time. So, anything that helps relieve the first issue will also help with the second. Your sleep apnea can be curtailed some with the use of an anti-snoring aid.
If you have sleep apnea, be proactive about finding and following treatment options. Without proper medical treatment, your symptoms can only worsen. Don’t hesitate. Your symptoms will only get worse. See your doctor right away.
Risk Factors
A good many who suffer with sleep apnea are people who usually sleep on their backs. If you sleep on your back, you might rethink doing that. Many studies indicate that if you sleep on your side, it will help with your sleep apnea.
Eliminate all the risk factors you can. Some sleep apnea risk factors cannot be changed, like genetic or hereditary reasons. However, you can limit many others, like excessive weight, smoking or alcohol consumption.
Even after you receive a diagnosis of sleep apnea, regularly consult your physician. Your physician can give you advice and keep you up on new treatments. If you try something new, follow-up with your doctor in about a month so you can tell him how the treatment is working.
You must get treatment if you have sleep apnea. It will not resolve itself. Depending on what causes your sleep apnea, you may respond to different treatments. Very often, losing weight has a profound effect on sleep apnea symptoms; however, some very thin people have sleep apnea. A CPAP machine has provided relief for millions of people. Some people with severe sleep apnea will have surgery to get rid of the tissue that blocks the airway. Choose whichever method you think will work for you so you may begin to live a happy and comfortable life.
Sleep apnea sufferers need to be diagnosed by a doctor. This is a very complicated condition, one that requires the help of a medical professional. Speak with your doctor and let them know all the things going on in your life that may be the cause of this condition.
You may wish to discuss the tips you have learned here with family members and friends. Sleep apnea is something that you shouldn’t ignore. Share this article with your family members who are affected by sleep apnea in order to maximize the effect its advice can have.
Take a little time to talk with your partner to see what they have to say about your sleep apnea. You may find that they have been frustrated by your snoring, and that is important to know. Talk to them about how your sleeping is affecting them, and let them know that these things will cease as you continue to be treated for your apnea.