If you or a loved one have experience the agony sleep apnea can cause, you are likely interested in management tips that actually work. The good news is that there are many ways to approach this difficult condition that actually can make a difference. Review the advice below to start getting a handle on the situation.
It may sound silly, but taking up a music instrument may improve your sleep apnea. When subjects in Germany were taught to play the didgeridoo, their sleep apnea symptoms were reduced. The researchers believe that practicing the instrument improved the tone of the muscles in the upper airway, which are responsible for airway dilation.
Ask your doctor about a corrective mouth piece for your sleep apnea symptoms. If your breathing passage is naturally narrow, you have a small jaw, or you have a recessed chin, your sleep apnea may be amplified. By aligning the position of your jaw and throat, you will find that you can sleep with fewer symptoms of sleep apnea.
Understand the effects that smoking and drinking alcohol have on sleep apnea, if you are trying to get a grip on your quality of sleep. Smoking enlarges airways, while alcohol can relax them too much, both of which will contribute to the symptoms of sleep apnea severely. Consider making the necessary cut-backs that will cut down on your sleep problems.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, make sure your significant other or your family is aware of your condition. In emergency situations, it is vital that whoever is with you can tell the physician treating you about your condition during any emergency medical care. You should make them aware of both the apnea diagnosis and your treatment.
Weight loss can have a major impact on those with sleep apnea. If a person has a neck circumference of 17 inches or more, they are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Losing weight can reduce pressure on the airways and cause better airflow when breathing at night.
It’s important to lose weight if you suffer from sleep apnea and you are overweight. The heavier you are, the harder it is for air to get down your throat. In fact, some studies suggest that obese people who suffer from sleep apnea can get rid of the condition by losing weight.
A great way to know if you are experiencing severe apnea is to keep a sleep journal. Write down all the times that you wake up in the night and also record how you feel in the morning. This will help you to have a record to see your progress.
If you are a trucker who has sleep apnea, take precautions to stay safe on the road. First of all, get yourself properly diagnosed and treated. If your doctor prescribes a CPAP, use it. They are small and easily portable and can run on battery power if necessary. Try to stay fit and get regular sleep to keep your condition under control.
Make sure that your airways are open while you sleep if you suffer from sleep apnea. You can do this by using some nasal strips, a saline nose spray, or a netipot. This will allow you not to struggle so much with your breathing and the better your breathing is, the least symptoms you will experience.
Don’t drink alcohol, especially at night. The reason most people drink alcohol is to relax, but it also causes the muscles that control your airways to relax as well. When you go to sleep with ultra-relaxed airway muscles, it can make your sleep apnea symptoms worse. Do your body and your wallet a favor and cut out the booze.
If your physician prescribes a CPAP machine for treating your sleep apnea, ask for a heated humidifier and additional bacterial filters for your machine. The durable medical equipment supplier may not automatically provide these, but they will help to minimize bacterial growth and keep your nasal passages moist and comfortable.
If you take sedatives or sleeping pills and suffer from sleep apnea, discontinue these medications. Many of these medicines relax your muscles, including those in your airways. This leads to an increased likelihood of sleep apnea. If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about other options that will not affect your breathing.
In some more extreme cases of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a CPAP machine. This machines function to continually force your airway to remain open while you are asleep. While they can be a hassle, they often times are life savers. If you think this may be necessary, speak with your physician.
Sleep apnea has caused problems in the lives of countless individuals and their families. In order to minimize the impact this condition has on your daily experience, knowledge is essential. Review the concepts in this piece as often as necessary to employ effective strategies that really can improve your life and your ability to get the rest you need.
Managing Sleep Apnea For A Restful Night’s Sleep was originally published on Spring