If you happen to suffer with sleep apnea, you probably feel tired all the time, never getting a full night’s rest. The next few paragraphs will give you useful pointers that will help you put your sleep apnea to bed and help you become a fully functioning human being again.
A common reason that people have sleep apnea is due to the extra pounds on their bodies. So if you have sleep apnea, and you are overweight, then try to shed some of those extra pounds. Try changing your diet and ramp up your activity level. Some studies suggest that limiting carbohydrate intake can lead to weight loss, as well.
One thing that affects sleep apena is obesity. Losing weight may help to greatly reduce sleep apnea symptoms in many patients. The simplest way to take off the weight is to eat fewer calories and engage in daily exercise. Some amount of carbohydrate restriction is beneficial for many who are trying to lose weight as well.
If you want real assistance with sleep apnea at night, talk to a physician about the optimal CPAP machine for you. Among other considerations, inquire about how big the machine is and how noisy it is when it is operating. The newer CPAP machines are much smaller and quieter than earlier ones were. The physician should know which companies have the best machines.
A CPAP machine may turn out to be vital in combating your sleep apnea, and you should get your doctor’s advice about what model is right for you. Not all machines are alike, and you may need one that has a humidifier or a certain type of pressure. Some are as small as a loaf of bread and quiet as a whisper. A doctor will be able to give advice on machines that they know their patients have had very good luck with.
If you are overweight, lose some weight. Obesity is linked to sleep apnea according to certain studies. If you are obese, lose at least 20 pounds to see if it makes a change for the better with your sleep apnea. It will also help ward off other medical conditions, too.
Do you light up or knock some back every day? Try to rid yourself of these horrible habits. Both of these substances have a negative effect on your ability to breathe while sleeping. Alcohol relaxes your airways, making them more prone to collapse, and smoking can cause them to swell, restricting airflow. If you’re not able to stop smoking and drinking, at least don’t do them before you fall asleep.
In an effort to get a restful night of sleep, sleep on your side if possible. When we sleep on our backs, the nasal and throat passages are more prone to obstructing the air-ways. Try to fall asleep in a side position, and discover if that relieves your sleep apnea tonight.
Sleep Apnea
Find another way to get to sleep other than sleeping pills. Sleeping pills can make your throat muscles relax in an undesirable way. They may also cause complications for sleep apnea patients. Ask your doctor about sleeping aids that won’t have a negative impact on your breathing.
Regular practice on a wind instrument can minimize some of your sleep apnea symptoms. There have been studies that show playing the didgeridoo, a wind instrument, helps relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea. These muscles are the key to dilation of the air passage and proper breathing as we sleep. Due to this, regular play can translate into good sleep at night.
To help you figure out if you suffer from sleep apnea, you may be asked by your doctor to keep a log of your sleeping. In it, you’ll be expected to log the hours you sleep nightly, any symptoms you may feel and the overall quality of your sleep. Your partner can tell you if you snore loudly, quit breathing or jerk your limbs. Your doctor can use this information to determine whether or not you’re suffering from sleep apnea.
Poor sleep interferes with your life in every area, and might even threaten your health over time. Do not wait to begin making the changes you need to manage your sleep apnea for better sleep. Long-term lack of sleep can lead to slower response time and increased stress.
One of the best ways to lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea is by losing weight. Lots of people have found they can eliminate their sleep apnea by dropping all their excess fat. Even a loss of a few pounds has been beneficial in opening the airway.