Although many people are having trouble getting all of the rest they need on a day-to-day basis, few of them realize that the culprit may actually be a sleep disorder. Sleep apnea may be the cause of this, as it can obstruct the airways each night. If you worry that sleep apnea may be in the picture, read on.
A healthy diet can help you lose weight and combat sleep apnea. Despite what you may think, diet plays a major part in the ability to sleep. Studies have shown that people that eat poor quality food have worse apnea than those who are overweight but eat healthier.
If sleep apnea is an issue for you, and you are a smoker or drinker of alcohol, consider quitting to help with your symptoms. Both of these bad habits can cause the airway muscles to relax, which makes you snore and adds to the symptoms of sleep apnea. Unlike those medical interventions or pricey surgeries, eliminating these habits can save you money.
Did you know that sleep apnea can afflict children? If a child in your home shows symptoms like low grades in school, hostility, irritability, hyperactivity, inattention or mouth breathing, you should consider sleep apnea as a possibility to investigate. This may mimic ADHD, so be sure your doctor is investigating all the causes before making a diagnosis.
Be sure to eat well and maintain a proper weight to help control your sleep apnea. A lot of sleep apnea sufferers are shocked by the role that a bad diet has in their affliction. It has been shown through many studies that people who eat a poor diet usually suffer with worse sleep apnea than someone who is just overweight but manages to still eat somewhat healthier.
It’s best to lay on your side to sleep when you have sleep apnea. Don’t sleep on your back. If you sleep flat on your back you are only exasperating your breathing problem by allowing your throat muscles to relax and move down. You will breathe easier if you sleep on your side. Prop pillows on one side to prevent you from rolling on your back while sleeping.
Sleep Apnea
Reduce sleep apnea by shedding excess weight. There are a number of people who only need to lose a few pounds to entirely stop their sleep apnea episodes. Losing even just five pounds can make your sleep apnea symptoms go away.
Sleep apnea is a severe condition to have. If you find you have some of the symptoms, talk to a physician as soon as you can. If the doctor determines you are suffering with sleep apnea, you should consult with someone who specializes in this disorder in order to effectively treat the condition.
Don’t use multiple or oversize pillows. Larger or stacked pillows can put your airways in an awkward position and limit your breathing. Your breathing will become more difficult for you to complete during sleep. So pick out a single pillow you feel comfortable with to sleep on at night.
Sleep while on your side. If you sleep on your back, this can make your sleep apnea worse. When you lay on your back during sleep, the tongue and soft palate shift to the back, which obstructs your airway. 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.
Think about using nasal spray if your nasal passages are stopped up. Nasal spray can temporarily reduce swelling in your nasal passages. Avoid using nasal sprays over a long period of time; your mucus membranes could become damaged and irritated. Many pharmacies have different over-the-counter options available to help keep your nasal passages open.
It is not easy to tell if you are suffering from sleep apnea if you don’t sleep with someone who can describe your sleep patterns. Using a simple camcorder while you sleep can give you the information you need. Your video needs to have audio as well because the doctors will want to hear any noises you make.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, do not underestimate the power of losing a few pounds. People who are overweight or have a larger than normal neck circumference may be prone to sleep apnea. When you lose a few extra pounds you reduce the pressure on your airway and breathing becomes easier.
If you can’t see a doctor about your sleep apnea, you can still do some things to help yourself. If you lose weight and quit smoking you will be able to combat sleep apnea. It’s also a good idea to refrain from eating heavy meals and drinking alcoholic or caffeinated beverages close to bed-time.
You should always consult a physician when you have sleep apnea, but there are things you can do for yourself too. It’s always a good idea to stop drinking and smoking and lose weight. It is doubly so if you have sleep apnea. You should also refrain from consuming alcohol, heavy meals, and caffeine for a few hours before bed.
Sleep apnea patients should not sleep on their backs. The majority of sleep apnea sufferers sleep on their backs, which makes it easy for their airways to become blocked. Use pillows to prop you up and keep you sleeping on your side for the best results.
Don’s sleep on your back if you are suffering from sleep apnea. Most apnea sufferers are chronic back sleepers and this position leads to a collapse of the soft tissue in the throat and blocks the air passage. To prevent yourself from rolling over while you sleep, use pillows or cushions.
Excessive use of alcohol or illicit drugs can also cause increased problems for those who have sleep apnea. Consuming alcohol results in throat relaxation that is more than normal. Snoring and obstructed air passages both result. You should either cease drinking alcohol or reduce your consumption to no more than a couple of drinks before dinner. This will lessen the chances of alcohol interrupting your sleep.
Spending time exercising your throat muscles may significantly increase the complications of sleep apnea. Relaxed or excessive tissue can obstruct air passages and make breathing difficult. When your muscles get stronger, chances becomes less that they will collapse and cause a blockage in the airways.
When you find out you have apnea, you have to follow a treatment plan so you can feel better. If you get enough sleep, you will be healthier. Apply what you’ve just learned, and begin to experience a better life.
Remember that you need not feel embarrassed by your CPAP machine and your treatments. Use it when you need to, and make others aware that it is necessary to your health and well-being. Anybody who doesn’t understand doesn’t deserve your time.