It is not enough to simply be aware of your sleep apnea. If you have this condition, you must do something about it. Before you can start a treatment program, you need to know what treatment options exist. You are going to discover ways you can take care of yourself in the article that follows.
Sleep Apnea
Being overweight can be a cause of sleep apnea. If this is the case, a sleep apnea sufferer should try to lose weight. The simplest way to take off the weight is to eat fewer calories and engage in daily exercise. Taking carbohydrates out of a diet is something that studies show helps people lose weight.
Using a mouth guard specifically made for sleep apnea sufferers may help you sleep better. A mouth guard opens your airway and facilitate nighttime breathing. Speak with your doctor concerning mouth guards, and have yourself fitted for one, provided your doctor agrees.
Excess weight also causes sleep apnea, so losing weight is a very good idea. There are many studies that link sleep apnea to obesity. If you are obese, even shedding 25 pounds can provide a drastic improvement in your symptoms.
Without a partner in your bed to tell you how you sleep, you may not know that you experience sleep apnea. One way to check out your sleeping habits is to train a video camera on yourself. Remember that recording audio is equally important; medical professionals can tell a great deal from the sounds you make while you sleep.
Losing Weight
One of the best ways to lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea is by losing weight. Sometimes, losing weight is all it takes to get rid of sleep apnea. Even if you lose just a few pounds, you will notice a difference. This helps to open the airways.
Lower risk factors for sleep apnea. However, there are risk factors which aren’t changeable, such as being a male or that the condition is prevalent in your family. Yet some risk factors are controllable, for example heaving drinking, smoking, and being obese.
Weight loss can be a big help for those that suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is linked to people who are overweight. Weight loss makes a big difference in the amount of pressure put on your airways and can improve your breathing.
If you have sleep apnea you should not smoke. Your air passages swell when you smoke, which is no good for sleep apnea sufferers. You can use nicotine patches or replacement therapy to quit. The first month is hard, but after that it becomes easier. Following this, the nicotine dissipates and cravings are reduced.
Inform your airline that you will have a CPAP machine if you intend on taking a long flight. The majority of carriers will make the necessary accommodations, so that you can bring along and use your device. Don’t forget your power adapter!
Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea, or if you simply snore at night, try learning to play a wind instrument. This not only can help soothe your body, but it can also reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. Your new talents can help control your airways.
Throat exercises can help strengthen your muscles and fight sleep apnea. Just as exercises help to strengthen muscles in other parts of your body, these oral exercises will help strengthen your tongue and throat muscles for a better night’s sleep. Hold your tongue to the top of your mouth, and keep it there for three minutes before releasing. Perform this exercise once per day.
Because sleep apnea is caused by weak throat muscles, strengthening these muscles makes good sense. If you are interested in learning more about how to strengthen your throat, there are dozens of quick exercises that can be done.
Many people that have sleep apnea sleep on their backs. Should you be one of these, make a change in your sleeping position. Sleeping on one side can provide a better night’s rest.
Sleep Apnea
Now that you are aware of different options you have concerning sleep apnea, use them! You will be able to find the right ways you can help your sleep apnea symptoms. Once you have a better night’s sleep, you’ll have a better quality of life.