Sleep apnea is not diagnosed in many of those that it afflicts, and the cases of it can really vary in their magnitude. The disorder renders an individual’s airway useless during sleep and causes breathing to become abnormal or stalled. Keep reading for more information about this scary and possibly life-threatening affliction.
Stopping bad habits may help with your sleep apnea. If you smoke and drink, you are almost sure to suffer from sleep disturbances. Alcohol can put you into a very deep sleep and depress your respiration. Smoking damages your lungs over time. You will notice a decrease in sleep apnea symptoms by quitting these habits.
One of the reasons many people suffer from sleep apnea is because they are carrying excessive weight. If you suffer from sleep apnea and are overweight, try losing a few pounds. The simplest way to take off the weight is to eat fewer calories and engage in daily exercise. Reducing carbs in the diet may also help.
Your doctor or a sleep specialist can help you find the CPAP machine that is best suited for your needs and comfort. Size and noise are both things to factor into your decision. Some CPAP machines are small and are quiet. The physician should know which companies have the best machines.
Depending on the condition that is causing your sleep apnea, you may be able to find a simple tool to improve your sleep. These gadgets correct your alignment, letting you breathe easily and normally throughout your sleeping hours. Speak with a doctor about using a properly fitted mouth guard.
Do you smoke or sometimes drink? Quit these terrible habits. Using these vices can harm your airways. Alcohol relaxes some throat muscles to the point that sleep apnea becomes worse. Cigarettes also cause you to have difficulty breathing. If you find that you just can’t give these bad habits up, do what you can to not do either of them within four hours of your bedtime.
Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from sleep apnea and you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, quitting could improve your symptoms. Both smoking and drinking promote relaxation of the airways causing sleep apnea and excessive snoring. Cutting out these habits actually saves you money, unlike other costly alternatives like surgery.
To fight sleep apnea, try to eat a healthy diet. A lot of people are surprised that a bad diet can affect sleep apnea. People that eat unhealthy are more likely to have worse sleep apnea.
It is important to use your CPAP machine if instructed to by your doctor. You should use it for the full night, but if you cannot, try to get at least 4 hours with the machine. Some people have a really hard time sleeping with the device. A minimum of four hours per night is needed, if your CPAP machine is going to help you. If you still have trouble adjusting, get at least four hours and try to add more time each night.
Try to sleep on your side instead of your back to breathe easier when you sleep. 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 that improves your sleep apnea this evening.
Eating healthier foods can help you deal with sleep apnea. Most people would find it surprising to know that your diet can be a factor in managing sleep apnea. Research indicates that less nutritious food may exacerbate sleep apnea.
To help alleviate this condition, you should sleep on your side. Often, sleep apnea sufferers rest while on their backs. Sleeping on your back can cause the tissues in your mouth and throat to block your airway. Making an effort to stay off your back will help to give you a better night of sleep. A large body pillow can help keep you from rolling to your back in the middle of the night.
Even children can suffer from sleep apnea. If he or she is cranky, active, inattentive and tends to breathe through their nose, they may have sleep apnea. Sometimes, sleep apnea is confused with ADHD, and you should consult your doctor for the proper diagnosis.
Now, after learning about the different ways that sleep apnea can be harmful, you have a better understanding on the different methods to treat this condition. If you or someone you know may have sleep apnea, it is vital that you consult with your doctor about it.
If you sleep alone, you might have a hard time determining if you suffer from sleep apnea. Think about recording your sleep patterns. The video should also contain audio in order to hear the noises that occur while you’re sleeping.