You need sleep, but sleep apnea can make this nearly impossible.
A reason that a lot of people have problems with sleep apnea is due to excessive weight. Every attempt should be made to lose weight if a person is overweight and has sleep apnea. Make sure that you stick with a plan that makes sense and combine a low calorie diet with an exercise regimen. Many people have success following a low carb diet.
Sleep Apnea
You may be able to improve or eliminate your sleep apnea by giving up alcohol and smoking. Both smoking and drinking promote relaxation of the muscles in your airway. Quitting these addictions may help you avoid costly and invasive surgery in the easiest way to address your sleep apnea.
Try using a mouth guard to help you sleep. Sleep apnea patients can have mouth guards that are custom made specifically to treat their condition. It’s a good way to get around having to use a CPAP machine, and feels better to wear throughout the night. The mouth guard keeps your jaw in the proper position and keeps your airway more open.
Speak with your doctor about getting a mouth piece that can help alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. You could have an overbite, recessed chin, or small jaw naturally that can worsen sleep apnea. You will get better rest if you wear a custom mouth guard that aligns your jaw properly while sleeping.
Lose some weight if you need to. Studies have shown sleep apnea symptoms are more common in people who are overweight. If you slim down, even shedding 25 pounds can provide a drastic improvement in your symptoms.
Even children can suffer from sleep apnea. Children who breathe through their mouth rather than their nose can suffer from sleep apnea. Other symptoms can include hyperactivity, poor grades, irritability or hostility. This swath of symptoms is not unlike ADHD, but you should have your doctor check out the possibility of sleep apnea to know for sure.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea sufferers often benefit from laying on their side if you want to avoid sleep apnea. Sleeping on the back makes your airway more prone to collapse. Try to fall asleep on one of your sides to see if that improves your symptoms get better.
A diagnosis of sleep apnea is performed by analyzing your medical history as well as your family history, followed by a physical exam. Your doctor might also choose to study you while you sleep. After studying this information, your doctor may send you to a specialist if necessary.
Try out other than sleeping pills. Sleeping pills can cause just as many problems with your throat muscles relax in an undesirable way. They can also have other harmful issues to make your sleep apnea worse. Ask your physician about sleeping aids that won’t also affect your breathing.
Many people with sleep apnea also sleep while on their backs. Sleeping flat on your back may cause your throat muscles. Sleeping on one’s side makes breathing significantly easier.If you tend to lay on your back while sleeping, try a wedge pillow.
If your nose is bothering you, use a nasal spray. This type of product can ease occasional congestion or dryness. Don’t use the product over a long period of time, though; that could cause damage to your nose. Talk to a pharmacist to see which spray they recommend.
Lack of sleep will interfere with every aspect of your life, and may even pose a threat to your long-term health. Getting the proper treatment for your sleep apnea can greatly improve the quality of your life. Life can be hard; the least you can do is to get enough sleep!