Sleep gives back to us what we wipe out during the day: energy! If sleep apnea is interfering in your ability to recoup every night, take action by educating yourself. Begin by reading the following tips that can have you back in control of the zzz’s in no time at all!

If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, lose some weight. Being over-weight or obese can affect your breathing severely and can cause many health problems, including sleep apnea. Those individuals who lost at least twenty to twenty-five excess pounds saw a marked improvement in respiratory issues related to sleep apnea.

Learn how to play a wind instrument. Studies have found that playing a wind instrument like the flute or the didgeridoo can help with sleep apnea. Wind instruments exercise your breathing and help your body get accustomed to taking in sufficient amounts of air. Your throat will be able to better control airway dilation.

Sleep Apnea patients using a CPAP machine may find that a humidifier is their best friend. The continuous passage of air from the machine can dry out sensitive nasal membranes, creating discomfort. A room humidifier, placed near the machine, often provides the humidification needed for comfortable sleep. If that isn’t sufficient, machines with integrated humidification chambers are available and allow the patient to customize the amount of moisture they receive.

Adding a chin strap to your CPAP routine can help to keep your mouth closed as you sleep. This little piece of fabric can work wonders to hold your chin that your breathing is not interrupted. CPAP machines do not function with open mouths, so a chin strap can really save you.

Try to avoid sleeping at high altitudes. High altitudes can worsen sleep apnea. The air in high altitudes is much thinner and, consequently, more difficult to breathe. Sleep apnea is already causing your body to take in less oxygen at night. A high altitude environment can only exacerbate your condition.

For people who smoke, the best way to correct a sleep apnea condition is to quit smoking. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of sleep apnea. When people stop smoking their risk of sleep apnea is reduced and they can get a full night sleep within days of quitting.

On easy way to help limit your sleep apnea is to stick to regular sleeping hours. When you stick to a sleep schedule that is steady and consistent, you will be more relaxed and sleep much better. Apnea episode frequency will be greatly reduced if you can get plenty of sleep every night.

Be aware that sleep apnea is not something you will always know is occurring at night. General daytime sleepiness may be a sign of sleep apnea, so let your doctor know if you are experiencing this. Although you are not likely to realize that you are fighting for air every night as you sleep, you may very well have developed sleep apnea.

Avoid anything that can make your sleep apnea worse, especially high altitudes. Sleeping in a high altitude ie. airplanes can actually make your symptoms worse as the loss of oxygen increases. If you must travel, make sure you talk to your physician about how you can relieve your symptoms of sleep apnea.

Change your sleeping position. Studies have shown that people who sleep flat on their backs tend to worsen their sleep apnea symptoms. Try to sleep on your side or stomach instead of your back to improve your sleep apnea. It may feel unusual at first, but your body will get accustomed to the new position and you’ll be thankful for the good night’s rest.

If you suspect that you might have sleep apnea, see your doctor and get a referral for a sleep study. This test will determine if you have sleep apnea and how severe your condition is. After this you’ll need to look at treatment options, even for a mild form of sleep apnea.

If you do not have a partner who can relay how your breathing is during the night, try recording yourself. Set up a camcorder and play it back in the morning. Then you can see if you stop breathing for long periods of time or snore excessively. Make sure you have enough light for the camera. Modern cameras will record well in low light, but you do need some.

Cut down on alcohol use. When you drink, the alcohol relaxes the muscles in your throat, making it easier for them to obstruct your airway and “collapse.” Don’t have alcohol within 4 or 5 hours before going to sleep to avoid this, if you want to continue to drink at all.

Facing the morning with little to no sleep is brutal, much less the entire day ahead of you! Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of vital rest any longer; put the tips from this article to work for you tonight and start getting the high-quality sleep your body and life demand.

Tips To Help Manage Sleep Apnea Problems was originally published on Spring