If you have sleep apnea you probably know how troublesome it is. Combating sleep apnea is possible once you have the right information. Utilize the terrific advice that follows below, and you stand a great chance of effectively managing the impact sleep apnea has on your life.
Stop your destructive ways. If you drink and smoke, it can make your sleep apnea worse. Drinking potentially causes extreme breathing issues because it reduces the ability of your respiratory system to function. Smoking, of course, causes both long and short term damage to your lungs and airways, as well as putting you at risk for cancer. Doing away with both of these bad habits will help do away with your sleep apnea symptoms.
Sleep Apnea
Ask your doctor about a corrective mouth piece for your sleep apnea symptoms. It may just be that your breathing passage is naturally narrow or your jaw is small. With a specialty device, you can change your sleeping position and align your jaw so that you are able to sleep.
Speak with a doctor about using corrective mouth pieces to control your symptoms of sleep apnea. If your breathing passage is naturally narrow, you have a small jaw, or you have a recessed chin, your sleep apnea may be amplified. A device made to assist you during sleep can provide you with enough air to flow through your body.
Taking up a musical instrument (especially a wind instrument) can have a positive effect on your sleep apnea. A German study has shown that playing wind instruments such as the digeridoo will help your sleep apnea. These muscles control your airway. 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.
Regular practice on a wind instrument can minimize some of your sleep apnea symptoms. In Germany, research has been done that suggests playing the didgeridoo will train the muscles of the upper airway. These muscles are responsible for opening and closing your airway, as well as controlling the stiffness of the airway. This is why playing this instrument regularly will help strengthen these muscles, and reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
Go to the doctor to get a mouth guard that is custom made. Guards such as these were designed for someone who suffers with 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. The mouth guard keeps your jaw in the proper position and keeps your airway more open.
Did you know that sleep apnea can afflict children? If your child exhibits any of the symptoms associated with sleep deprivation, such as chronic irritability, hostility and a drop in their grades, you might be looking at a case of sleep apnea. These symptoms are quite similar to ADHD, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis because treatments for these two disorders are quite different.
Sleep Apnea also affects children. 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. Often these symptoms are similar to ADHD, but you need to talk to a physician and consider sleep apnea as a cause as well.
If you sleep alone, you might have a hard time determining if you suffer from sleep apnea. You can consider recording your sleep patterns with a camcorder. You need to include audio in your video because the doctor needs to hear the noises you make.
Sleep on your side in order to get some better sleep. When you sleep on your back, the airways get obstructed due to the throat and nasal passages being more prone to obstruction. If you have trouble staying off your back, sew a tennis ball into the back of your pajamas to help you stay on your side. You may see a big difference in the quality of your sleep.
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. If you have a partner, you can find out about snoring issues, breathing issues or flailing limb issues. This makes it easier for the doctor to diagnose your condition.
To help alleviate this condition, you should sleep on your side. Some sleep apnea patients lay on their backs. Sleeping flat on your back may cause your throat and mouth tissues to obstruct your airways. It is best to sleep on one of your sides or your stomach. If you roll on your back when you sleep, try using pillows to stay on your side.
Weight loss is an effective tactic in combating sleep apnea in many cases. Many people find that they can completely correct sleep apnea by losing excess weight. Losing even just five pounds can make your sleep apnea symptoms go away.
No matter where you travel, you must bring your CPAP if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Once you have your CPAP machine, do not skip using it at any time. Most machines come with a bag that they can be transported safely in. Any time that you need to sleep overnight while traveling, you should keep your CPAP machine in your sleeping quarters.
Consider trying devices that reduce snoring. Snoring happens when the airways are mostly closed but air can come though, and apnea is when the airways are completely closed. It is understandable that something can help this. This device can reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea during the times you are in bed.
Lose a bit of weight to get rid of your sleep apnea. Getting rid of those extra pounds can help you with your sleep apnea. You can have relief from sleep apnea symptoms by losing as little as 10 pounds.
Weight loss can be a big help for those that suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is linked to people who are overweight. Losing weight can reduce pressure on the airways and cause better airflow when breathing at night.
If your nose is bothering you, use a nasal spray. This should help clear any blockages in the airways for a couple of nights. It’s important to follow the instructions for usage, as these sprays should be used temporarily, not permanently Your pharmacy can offer a variety of solutions or options to clear your air passages as you sleep.
Wind Instrument
You should always consult a physician when you have sleep apnea, but there are things you can do for yourself too. Stopping smoking and shedding weight is a great start, especially for anyone dealing with sleep apnea. You will also want to avoid alcohol, caffeine or heavy meals within a couple hours of going to bed.
Many people with snoring issues or minor sleep apnea can find relief by learning to play a wind instrument. Playing a Didgeridoo or other wind instrument was shown to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea in a German study. You will be able to better control the air passages.
You shouldn’t be smoking if you are afflicted with sleep apnea. Smoking can cause the upper airway to swell, which exacerbates sleep apnea. Try different things to help you quit smoking. It is the initial 30 days after you quit that are usually the hardest. Following this, the nicotine dissipates and cravings are reduced.
Many people think of sleep apnea as a problem surrounding the nose, but really strengthening your throat muscles is the key. If you want to learn more about these types of exercises, many exercises are available.
Exercising your tongue can help with your sleep apnea. For example, try this: press your tongue up against your upper palate, and hold it for about three minutes. This will strengthen your throat and tongue muscles and reduce the chances of them relaxing while you sleep and blocking your airways.
Back sleepers are more likely to suffer with snoring or sleep apnea. If this is you, then you should try finding another position to sleep in. Many studies indicate that if you sleep on your side, it will help with your sleep apnea.
If you have sleep apnea, you should not drink excessively. Alcohol makes the throat muscles over-relax, resulting in blocked airways and snoring. You should either cease drinking alcohol or reduce your consumption to no more than a couple of drinks before dinner. That way, your sleep will not be affected.
Start playing a wind instrument. Playing a wind instrument can help your sleep apnea. These instruments help you control airflow in your windpipe and strengthen your throat muscles. Over time, continual practice of woodwinds will start alleviating your sleep apnea since your throat and mouth muscles are growing in strength and motor control.
Take lessons on a woodwind instrument. You will like the music and help exercise muscles that can better your breathing. When these muscles get trained and stronger, your sleep apnea will start subsiding and maybe even go away entirely over time.
Do not have an alcoholic drink close to your bedtime. Sleep apnea is just one of the sleeping disorders made worse by alcohol. It suppresses your nervous system and that can worsen the apnea, it also makes it difficult for you to wake up when you stop breathing. Therefore, combining sleep apnea and alcohol can be deadly.
Your sleep habits directly affect you and your sleep apnea. That is why it is important to sleep in the best position. Try taking a foam wedge and using it to raise the top half of your body. If you have an adjustable bed, raise the head by several inches for the best position.
Most people will tell you that sleep apnea can be a huge burden in your daily life. It’s a good idea to do your homework and learn all that you can about sleep apnea. If you apply what you’ve learned in this article, you’ll once again sleep soundly through the night.
If you suspect that you might be suffering from sleep apnea, consult a physician and arrange a sleep study. They will test you and make a determination whether or not you are suffering from sleep apnea. Less severe cases of sleep apnea can be relatively easy to treat.