The contents of this article will hopefully be useful to anyone who’s currently dealing with a sleep apnea problem.
There are some bad habits that should be stopped because they make sleep apnea worse. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are a big problem for people who have sleep apnea. Drinking relaxes your airway to prevent proper breathing. Smoking adds harmful chemicals which damage your lungs over time. These are both habits which can make sleep apnea worse.
Get a mouth guard if your airways are the cause of your sleep at night. These devices are designed to correct your airways and they help you to breathe properly during the night.
Lose a few pounds if you need to. Studies have shown sleep apnea and obesity. If you slim down, even shedding 25 pounds can provide a drastic improvement in your symptoms.
Excess weight is an issue that plays a negative role in many sleep apnea sufferers’ conditions. If you suffer from sleep apnea and are overweight, try losing a few pounds. Exercising and following a regular weight loss plan is the best strategy. Many people have success following a low carb diet.
Sleeping Pills
Try out other than sleeping pills.Sleeping pills can make you snore more by relaxing the muscles relax in the throat. They may also make other harmful issues to make your sleep apnea worse. Consult your doctor to find a sleep aid that won’t hinder your breathing.
Meet with a doctor about what CPAP machine you should use. You need to take into consideration both the machine size and audible volume. There are some machines that are quiet and small. Your doctor can help you pick a manufacturer for a good quality machine.
You will need to make note of how many hours of sleep you get each night, and any other symptoms you experience. Your partner can let you know if you snore too loudly, stop breathing for a second, or snore loudly. This can help the doctor determine if you have sleep apnea or not.
This little piece of cloth will keep your chin up when you are asleep and your breathing is not interrupted. Your mouth needs to remain closed for CPAP therapy.
Some people give up using the CPAP machine they have been prescribed and this is not a good move. Use it for at least four hours each night, until you become used to it in full. Many folks have difficulty adjusting to the CPAP in the beginning. Use your CPAP as often as prescribed by your doctor, and make sure it fits properly. If you have a tough time with it, be sure you have the right size mask, and that the pressure is working right.
Cpap Machine
If you are going to be traveling and you have sleep apnea, it is important to plan on taking your CPAP machine with you. You ought not to go a single night without your CPAP. You should have a travel bag to bring your machine. This can be used to transport the CPAP machine if you must be away.
Sleep apnea sufferers often benefit from laying on their side during sleep. The chances of your airways being restricted are more likely when you sleep on your back. Make a conscious effort to fall asleep on your side, and that will probably reduce some of the symptoms caused by your sleep apnea.
Don’t sleep facing upwards if you have sleep apnea. Sleeping on one’s back blocks your airways quite easily. Use cushions or pillows to keep yourself lying on your side only.
Sleep Apnea
A good physical exam, and a look at your family history, can quite often easily determine sleep apnea’s presence. Also, your doctor may want to try a sleep study on you. Depending on the results, you may be referred to a specialist.
Sleep apnea will not go away on its own; patients need to get it treated. Some treatments work better for people and some do not. One thing that can help you is losing weight, but there are thin people who suffer from sleep apnea as well. Some other options include CPAP machine or other devices. Other people may be inclined to opt for surgery. Choose whichever method you think will work for you so you may begin to live a happy and most restful life.
As was stated previously, if left untreated, sleep apnea will cause a wide range of serious health problems. It is essential to do your research when you have sleep apnea. When you use the tips laid out here, you can be sure you are doing all you can to save your health.
Many doctors ask patients to keep sleep logs to help diagnose sleep apnea. All hours slept or spent awake should be recorded. Your partner can best inform you if your sleep involves jerking limbs, stops in breathing and loud snoring. This diary will help a medical professional see patterns in your sleep habits.