If your partner complains that you snore during your sleep, or if you wake up in the morning feeling tired and grouchy, you may have a common sleep disorder called sleep apnea. This means that at night, your airway is blocked and you stop breathing during your sleep. If you have this condition, you need to find treatment right away to avoid further problems.
Make sure that the mask you use on your CPAP machine fits properly. Often, people will stop using their CPAP because the mask does not fit right. If your mask is uncomfortable, try getting a different mask. There are many different masks available, so choose one that fits right and is comfortable to use.
Get a mouth guard made especially for sleep. If you have a recessed chin, overbite or a small jaw, they way your jaw sits while you sleep may be causing the breathing problems while you sleep by narrowing your airways. A mouth guard can correct this and help you sleep better.
If you suspect that you have a sleeping disorder, but are unsure, enter a sleep study. They may be able to diagnose your disorder as sleep apnea and make suggestions regarding treatment. Treatments include mouth guards, CPAP, diet changes, and modifications of sleeping habits. You won’t know your options until you speak with someone about it.
If you are concerned your snoring may be sleep apnea, try keeping a sleep diary. You would keep a record of the hours you sleep, how many times you wake at night, and whether you feel refreshed the next day. Also, if you have a bedmate, ask them if your snoring is loud and frequent and if you exhibit any gasping or choking sounds.
If you sleep on your back you will worsen your sleep apnea. Try sewing a large, lumpy object like a ball onto your PJ’s to prevent you from rolling on your back while sleeping. It does so by making it intolerable to sleep on your back.
If you are drowsy, listen to your body. If you are not getting enough sleep at night because of sleep apnea, you are more likely to feel drowsy during the day. This indicates that your treatments are not effective. So, when you are feeling drowsy on a regular basis, consider visiting your doctor to re-discuss your treatment options and your current apnea treatment plan.
If you are wondering whether you are experiencing sleep apnea, set a date with your doctor asap and request a sleep test. This sleep test will help diagnose your sleep apnea and give you an idea of its severity. You and your doctor can then plan a course of action to treat your sleep apnea, whether it is mild, moderate or severe.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, it’s important that you stay away from sleeping pills, cough syrup, or any other medication that may make you drowsy before going to sleep. These medications over-relax the throat muscles during sleep, even causing them to “collapse”, making it hard for enough air to come through.
Throat exercise will strengthen the muscles in the throat, keeping them from collapsing during the night. Try pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth, then hold it there for two or three minutes. You can also use a balloon. First take a deep breath through your nasal passages, then inflate the balloon as much as possible. Repeat this five times. These exercises will strengthen your airway muscles.
Sleep apnea can cause many problems beyond just the inability to get a good night’s sleep. If you let your condition go untreated, it may get worse over time. Getting enough sleep is crucial to your overall level of health, so start using the tips you have read in this article right away to find relief.
