Hearing your doctor diagnose you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea can scare even the most strong-willed of people. It is vital that you know that sleep apnea can be a common problem, and while serious, it can be treated effectively.
A mouth guard for use while you sleep can help you deal with sleep apnea, even if your airways are naturally narrow. These guards look similar to what athletes use, but are specifically made to change the position of the tongue, jaw and palate while you sleep and keep your airway open. Talk to your physician about these, and get a fitting if you two think it might work.
Try quitting smoking and alcohol if you have sleep apnea. Both of these habits have a negative effect on the muscles in your air passage and can worsen apnea. Quitting these habits may be the future.
Do not consume as much alcohol often.Alcohol causes all the muscles in your muscles. Although many users find this to be one of the benefits of drinking, it is not beneficial to people with sleep apnea. Alcohol relaxes throat muscles and it can hurt your body. If drinking is an important part of your life, avoid drinking it 3 hours before bedtime.
Get a mouth guard made specifically for you. These guards are designed for patients with sleep apnea. Many people find they can adjust to wearing a mouth guard every night while they sleep much more easily than they can get used to wearing a CPAP mask. It keeps your air passageways wide open and clear by stabilizing your throat and holding it in the proper position.
Sleep Apnea
It is possible for children to be sleep apnea.If a child in your home shows symptoms like low grades in school, hyperactive, irritability, hyperactivity, inattention or mouth breathing, you should consider sleep apnea as a possibility to investigate. The symptoms can be confused with those of ADHD, but you must consult with your doctor to know for sure.
Children can suffer from sleep apnea, also. If you child exhibits certain symptoms, he or she might have sleep apnea. These symptoms are quite similar to ADHD, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis because treatments for these two disorders are quite different.
Sleep on their side during sleep. Sleeping on your back can obstruct your airway. Try to fall asleep on one of your sides to see if that improves your symptoms get better.
You can consider video recording yourself asleep. The video needs audio to listen for any noises.
If you are taking a vacation and suffer from sleep apnea, don’t forget to bring your CPAP machine along. When you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you should not go even one night without using your CPAP. You should have a travel bag for your machine. Use this to easily transport your CPAP with you whenever you are away from home.
You will record the time you go to sleep and wake up, and any other symptoms you experience. Your spouse can inform you of any excessive snoring, stop breathing for a second, or stop breathing. This type of data can help your doctor to see if you’re suffering from sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea
Do not smoke. It can cause your upper airways to start swelling, which can make your sleep apnea worse. Try going cold turkey. Many people have the most difficulty during the initial month. Over time, you’ll find you need and/or want nicotine less.
It can be scary to learn you have sleep apnea. Fortunately, it is a condition that can be managed. Put the advice about sleep apnea you have read here to work for you starting tonight. With proper treatment, you can live a healthy and full life despite your sleep apnea condition.