Sleep apnea is a condition that often goes undiagnosed and can vary in severity of occurrences. This condition stems from the airways collapsing as one sleeps, which inhibits a person’s breathing capacity during sleep. Keep reading to learn about sleep apnea and possibly deadly condition.
Losing some harmful vices to fight off sleep apnea. In particular, alcohol and cigarettes are bad for you. Drinking affects the respiratory system. And when you smoke you inhale a bunch of carcinogens that can seriously damage your lungs. If you quit these habits you are likely to see an improvement in your sleeping difficulties.
Get a mouth guard if your airways are the cause of your sleep at night. These devices correct airways and allow you to breathe properly during the night.
You should consider the size of your machine and volume of the device before you decide to get one. Some of these machines are small and barely make any sounds at all. A medical professional will be able to give advice on machines available.
Quit drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Both of these habits are bad for the muscles in your air passage and can worsen apnea. Unlike costly surgeries or other medical interventions, dropping these habits will actually save you money.
Do you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol? These substances restrict your airways. If you’re not able to stop smoking and drinking, you should at least avoid indulging in them as you approach your bedtime.
Sleep apnea can be a significant disorder. If you are experiencing some of the signs associated with this condition, be sure to speak with your doctor immediately.
Cut back on your alcohol consumption. Your muscles get relaxed too much. If the throat muscles are too relaxed, they can collapse and block your airway. If you must drink, keep it to just a few, and stop drinking well before bedtime. This will keep your throat muscles from relaxing excessively. While it’s not vital that alcohol be avoided 100%, do what you can to make sure you do not drink it before a nap or nighttime sleep.
Many people who have sleep apnea also sleep on their backs. Sleeping flat on your back can cause constriction of the throat and mouth tissues to obstruct your airways. Sleeping on one’s side makes breathing significantly easier. If you tend to lay on your back while sleeping, try a wedge pillow.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea generally is diagnosed by studying your medical and family history and having a thorough physical exam. Your PCP may ask for a sleep study to be done by a sleep specialist.
Weight loss can have a huge difference in sleep apnea. Sleep apnea commonly occurs in obese individuals with bigger necks.
You should always consult a physician when you have sleep apnea, there are areas that you can investigate for yourself. Quitting smoking and losing weight are beneficial to anyone, but are even better for sleep apnea patients. You should stay away from alcohol, caffeine or heavy meals within a couple hours of going to bed.
Consider trying devices that reduce snoring. Snoring is caused by mostly-closed airways, and apnea is fully-closed airways. So, anything that helps relieve the first issue will also help with the second. You could find yourself reducing your apnea with anti-snoring devices.
Having read the facts that have been provided to you here you should now have a much better understanding of this condition and how it can affect a person’s life. If you think you may have this condition, speak with your doctor.