Sleep apnea is a very serious condition and is much more than just snoring. Your breathing actually stops or is very shallow. Read on to see if you exhibit the signs of this serious affliction and learn what you can do to help you get a healthier night of sleep.
Consider elevating the head of your bed if you suffer from sleep apnea. As you sleep, gravity is constantly pulling on your muscles and causing your airway to close. If you elevate the head of your bed a bit, the slight incline makes it easier for your body to maintain your airway when you are sleeping.
Sleep Apnea patients using a CPAP machine may find that a humidifier is their best friend. The continuous passage of air from the machine can dry out sensitive nasal membranes, creating discomfort. A room humidifier, placed near the machine, often provides the humidification needed for comfortable sleep. If that isn’t sufficient, machines with integrated humidification chambers are available and allow the patient to customize the amount of moisture they receive.
Always get enough sleep. When you fail to get a decent amount of sleep on a regular basis or fail to follow a normal sleeping pattern. Insomnia and sleep apnea go hand in hand. So, when you can successfully sleep regularly, your symptoms are less pronounced because you are well rested.
Do you always sleep on your back? Try sleeping on your side instead. When you sleep on your back with a head propped on a pillow, your airways get narrower. Go to sleep on your side and use cushions to prevent yourself from rolling in your sleep. Your airways should remain open as long as you are on your side.
Weight loss can be a big help for those that suffer from sleep apnea. For people who are overweight, sleep apnea is much more prevalent especially people with a larger neck circumference. Weight loss makes a big difference in the amount of pressure put on your airways and can improve your breathing.
Quit smoking if you suffer from sleep apnea. Swelling of the airways occurs when one smokes; this makes sleep apnea worse. To quit smoking, try a smoking cessation program or use nicotine replacement therapy. The first month is often the hardest for most smokers. After that, it gets easier, because the nicotine addiction is gone.
Playing a wind instrument can help. This is not only a good way to expand your horizons, but it will also strengthen the muscles that are the source of sleep apnea problems. If you consistently make an effort to strengthen your throat muscles, you’ll have a better time sleeping with sleep apnea.
New apnea patients who are being fitted for CPAP equipment should insist on trying out several mask options. It is customary for the DME providers (Durable Medical Equipment) to show up at your door with a CPAP machine and a basic mask. Truth be told, there are many different styles of masks, and finding the best style for you dramatically improves your compliance with the CPAP therapy. Take the upper hand and insist that they show you a variety of masks, even if you have to go into their showroom. Like so many health issues, knowledge is the key. You will get better service and far more relief by knowing your options and speaking your mind.
As you have learned from the above article, sleep apnea is serious and needs to be treated. You have been given tips on what to look for and ideas what can help, but always check with a doctor first and foremost. You don’t want to try to treat this on your own. Soon, you will be sleeping more restfully.
