Although it’s an extremely common condition, sleep apnea is often overlooked or entirely ignored by those who suffer from it. People who suffer from sleep apnea often have trouble with their tongue and palate relaxing to the back of the throat, which obstructs the airway and interferes with breathing. This is very dangerous. The article below has more information about the subject.
Mouth Guard
A mouth guard for use while you sleep can help you deal with sleep apnea, even if your airways are naturally narrow. This opens up your airways, letting you breathe fully while you sleep. Speak with your doctor to see if you should get a specially fitted mouth guard.
If you are overweight, lose some weight. Obesity is linked to sleep apnea according to certain studies. If you slim down, you may see a marked difference in how your sleep apnea affects you.
Mouth Guard
Go to the doctor to get a mouth guard that is custom made. Mouth guards help keep your jaw in a proper position. Instead of using a CPAP device, you can use a mouth guard. A mouth guard will work by positioning the jaw and tongue in a helpful way that will allow for easier breathing while asleep.
Eating healthily can help you shed weight and relieve sleep apnea. A lot of sleep apnea sufferers are shocked by the role that a bad diet has in their affliction. Good nutrition can help many medical conditions, including sleep apnea.
Many children suffer with sleep apnea. If you child exhibits certain symptoms, he or she might have sleep apnea. 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.
Going to bed on your side can be something you can do to help you get better rest if you have sleep apnea. Your air passages are more likely to suffer obstruction when you sleep on your back. Try to fall asleep on one of your sides to see if that improves your sleep apnea this evening.
Sleep in a prone position. Many people with sleep apnea are used to sleeping on their backs. If you sleep on your back, your airway may become blocked when mouth tissues slide back. Avoid sleeping on your back and go on your side to make breathing easier. If you tend to roll onto your back in your sleep, try propping yourself on one side with pillows.
If you use a CPAP, then ensure a medical ID is carried with you at all times. This is particularly important if you have an accident and require overnight hospitalization. The ID should say that you have this condition, you require a CPAP, and it should identify the pressure levels you require for effective treatment.
Losing Weight
Losing weight can help sleep apnea sufferers. 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.
Getting a CPAP machine is no cause for concern or embarrassment. Inform people about the necessity of your actions and avoid being overcome by self-conscious feelings when you use it in front of friends or your significant other. Always know that the CPAP machine is something that you need which can help you, and if someone looks down upon you for using it, then they weren’t your friends anyway.
You should now understand a bit more about this condition, and sleep apnea can be potentially life threatening. If you think you have symptoms and you want more information about it, contact your doctor.