People who deal with sleep apnea every day understand how troublesome it can be each day. The most efficient way to deal with it is to have as much information as possible. Try out the advice below, and you’ll have a good shot at reducing sleep apnea’s hold on your life.
Are nicotine and alcohol a part of your life? Lose all your bad habits. They can do bad things to your airways. Inflammation is caused by smoking and alcohol use causes your airways to collapse, both of which can produce sleep apnea symptoms. If losing these habits is not possible, then at least limit yourself before going to bed.
Weight Loss
Reduce your consumption of alcohol. The natural effects of alcohol lead to over-relaxation of your muscles. Although you may think this improves your sleep, it actually just worsens it. If you must drink, keep it to just a few, and stop drinking well before bedtime. This will keep your throat muscles from relaxing excessively. If you absolutely must drink, then do it in moderation and certainly not right when you’re about to go to sleep.
One thing that affects sleep apena is obesity. Should this be the reason, weight loss should be the rule of thumb. There should be a weight loss plan in place that restricts calories. Exercising should be a part of this plan as well. Reducing carbohydrate intake can help greatly, as well.
It is possible for children to suffer from sleep apnea. Children who are frequently tired or who have a poor attention span may have sleep issues. Since these symptoms mimic ADHD, it’s important to have your child seen by a physician.
Meet with a doctor about what CPAP machine you should use. You need to take into consideration both the machine size and audible volume. Some of these machines are really small and barely make any sounds at all. Your doctor can help you pick a manufacturer for a good quality machine.
Going to bed on your side can be something you can do to help you get better rest if you have sleep apnea. When sleeping on the back, throat and tongue muscles are more likely to block your airway. Try to fall asleep on one of your sides to see if your symptoms get better.
Get a mouth guard made specifically for you. Guards such as these were designed for someone who suffers with sleep apnea. It is a more comfortable alternative to using a CPAP machine. 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.
The most common way for a physician to diagnose you with sleep apnea is to conduct a physical examination and investigate the medical histories of you and your relatives. Also, your doctor may want to try a sleep study on you. Depending on the results, you may be referred to a specialist.
Sleep Apnea also affects children. You can usually notice a child with sleep apnea when they are hyperactive, inattentive, hostile, irritable and see them continuously breathing through their mouth. This may mimic ADHD, so be sure your doctor is investigating all the causes before making a diagnosis.
Avoid sleeping pills when you suffer from sleep apnea. Sleeping pills can make it so your airways don’t function correctly. Find other ways to solve your troubles with staying asleep, because sleep apnea mixed with sleeping pills can be a potentially life-threatening mix.
Dealing with sleep apnea is normally something that is very serious. If you think you may have it, talk to a doctor immediately. If you are diagnosed with the condition, your doctor may send you to a sleep specialist, as well as recommend a sleep test to monitor your condition.
You can wear a chin strap with your CPAP if you have problems with your mouth falling open as you sleep. The chin strap will help hold you chin up during the time you are sleep which keeps your mouth closed. Try out CPAP therapy for your mouth.
When you are using a CPAP, if your mouth always drops open while you sleep, you should wear a strap for your chin. A chin strap is a strap on fabric that can hold your mouth closed. Try this out to keep your mouth closed.
If you have a CPAP machine, carry your medical ID. If you ever need medical attention in an emergency, it is critical that healthcare providers know that you have this condition and use that machine. With your ID you can inform medical personnel about your sleep apnea and your CPAP device.
Sleep Apnea
Consider a snoring device. Excessive snoring occurs whenever your airways are only partially opened where a minimum amount of air can pass through. On the other hand, sleep apnea occurs whenever your airways are closed up completely with no passing through. It actually makes sense that your device can assist with the latter if it can help you with the former. If you have mild sleep apnea, an anti-snoring device may be enough to help with your condition.
If you use a CPAP machine and have sleep apnea, make certain to always have medical ID on your person. This will let emergency personnel and others know you use a CPAP for sleep apnea. The ID should say that you have this condition, you require a CPAP, and it should identify the pressure levels you require for effective treatment.
Weight loss can be a big help for those that suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is far more frequent in obese individuals with bigger necks. Pressure on the neck is reduced with weight loss, making breathing easier while sleeping.
Do you travel frequently? If so, then do not forget to bring along your CPAP. Once you have your CPAP machine, do not skip using it at any time. This CPAP should have a travel bag that came with it. Try this if you want to easily move your CPAP machine with you with ease.
If you have sleep apnea, stop smoking. Smoking cause the airways to swell, making sleep apnea worse. Try to find a program to help you quit smoking. Many people have the most difficulty during the initial month. Following that time, the nicotine will start leaving your body, and you’ll have decreased cravings.
If you’re a sleep apnea sufferer undergoing CPAP treatment, don’t forget to take your machine along if you’re going to the hospital. You need to have your CPAP along with the mask, with you at all times while you’re there. It is already set to your pressure, and you will have the exact mask you are used to using every night. This will make your stay a little more comfortable.
If you suffer from sleep apnea this is a good way to get better sleep. Fixing your sleeping schedule and sticking to a regular bedtime every night can be a great help. Keep your bedroom comfortable and calm for the most satisfying sleep. If it is uncomfortable, you might not be able to fall asleep.
If your nose seems stuffy, apply a nasal spray. You can experience a few nights of untroubled sleep using such a product. Most nasal sprays are not recommended for extended periods of time so use them sparingly. A quick trip to the pharmacy can turn you onto a host of different treatments that can help reduce nasal congestion.
There are throat exercises for sleep apnea sufferers that have been found quite effective. Throat exercises build up the muscles around the airway, and can make them less likely to collapse. A good way to do this is to put your tongue up against your mouth’s roof, hold it there for three minutes, then release. Do this once a day.
Anyone suffering with sleep apnea would agree: the symptoms of this condition make you miserable and greatly interfere with life. Thankfully, doing your research allows you to gain the knowledge you need to better handle your condition. Take the tips in the piece above to heart, and you will soon reclaim the peaceful slumber that has been so elusive.
A large number of sleep apnea sufferers sleep on their backs. You may wish to consider a different sleeping position. Sleeping on one side can provide a better night’s rest.