If wake up often throughout the night, you might have sleep apnea. There are millions who suffer from sleep apnea, and face difficulties because of it. Luckily, there are several effective treatment methods. The article below shares tips that can help you cope with this problem.
A major reason why a lot of people deal with the sleep apnea condition is because of the excess weight they’re carrying. Losing weight may help to greatly reduce sleep apnea symptoms in many patients. Look for a sensible plan that includes both caloric restriction as well as exercise. Restriction of carbohydrates is shown to help those wanting to shed pounds.
Sleep Apnea
Are you a drinker or a smoker? Drop these unhealthy habits. Your airways are significantly affected by smoking and drinking. Smoking and alcohol combined can definitely cause sleep apnea. If you can’t completely eliminate these habits, try avoiding them prior to bed.
If you have sleep apnea, consider learning how to play a wind instrument. Researchers in Germany have found playing a didgeridoo can make your throat muscles stronger. These muscles are responsible for the strength of your airway passage and its ability to dilate. This is why if you play often you will have less sleep apnea issues.
Speak with your doctor about getting a mouth guard that will help alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. If you have a narrow airway, recessed chin or small jaw, it is likely you have amplified sleep apnea effects. Specialty devices can alter your position during sleep and more properly align jaw elements, giving you a much higher quality rest.
Losing weight through a good diet can fight 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.
Learning how to play a wind instrument is something which can help ease the symptoms of your sleep apnea. Researchers around the world have implied that the musical instrument, the didgeridoo, can be used to make airway muscles stronger. Muscles in this area stiffen the airway walls and control the dilation. Because of this, playing it regularly can help you breathe better when you sleep.
A diagnosis of sleep apnea usually involves your personal and family medical histories, as well as a comprehensive physical examination. You might also undergo a sleep study. Dependent upon what your personal physician discovers, they might give you a referral to see a sleep specialist.
Go to the doctor to get a mouth guard that is custom made. Some guards are made to treat sleep apnea. It is a great alternative to CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and is much more comfortable to wear at night. It really helps keep the airways clear and keeps the soft tissues of the throat stable.
Never travel without your CPAP machine. When you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you should not go even one night without using your CPAP. Most machines come with a bag that they can be transported safely in. Use this for easy travel with your CPAP device.
Instead of sleeping on your back, sleep on your side, which can help to avoid the symptoms of sleep apnea getting in the way of a peaceful night’s sleep. Sleeping on your back can obstruct your airways and cause apnea. Make it a habit of falling asleep on your side, which hopefully does alleviate some of these sleep apnea symptoms.
If you are using a CPAP to treat sleep apnea, be sure to take it when you’re going to 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. Since the settings are already set to what you’re used to, and the mask that you use each night is there, it makes it much easier to use at the hospital. You’ll be able to resume your CPAP therapy much easier by having these things in the hospital with you.
If you suffer from sleep apnea and you use a CPAP, carry your medical ID. You need to have a way of letting medical personnel know about your condition if you are unconscious. Your ID should clearly inform medical personnel of your sleep apnea condition. Include the fact that you’re using a CPAP machine and indicate the proper pressure level it operates at.
Losing weight is a simple and proven effective method of decreasing your chances of suffering from sleep apnea. A lot of people find that when they lose weight, they no longer have apnea. Even just a small drop in your weight can contribute to a better night’s sleep, helping to clear the airways and your throat.
Do not lay on your back to sleep if you have a sleep apnea condition. Most apnea patients are “back sleepers”, making it more likely that airway obstructions can occur. Use whatever means you can to keep from rolling on your back. Pillows can help and some people even sew a tennis ball into the back of their night clothes.
Sleep apnea is not something that should be ignored, because it will not go away without treatment. Various treatment regimens and choices are effective for certain individuals, but not necessarily all. If you lose weight you will help your sleep apnea, but this is not always the cause. There are many options available to help treat this condition, one of which is a CPAP machine. Others prefer surgery so that they can treat airway restrictions. Whatever you and your doctor thinks is the best for you, treatment is important in improving your sleep quality.
Strengthening the muscles of your throat can be an effective way to reduce the risk of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a direct result of a collapse of tissue that occurs towards the far throat’s back. Stronger muscles mean a less likelihood of the the airways becoming blocked.
Clearly, there are many ways to deal with sleep apnea. Everyone is different, and it’s important to find out which treatment option will fit your specific situation best. You can finally get a good night’s sleep by practicing these simple steps. You will feel more rested, less stressed out, and your quality of life will improve.
Minimize your alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol can cause your throat to relax which can make sleep apnea worse. Limit drink consumption to no more than two or quit drinking completely prior to bed. You’ll be less likely to suffer from alcohol-related sleep disturbances this way.