If you are dealing with sleep apnea, you are fully aware of how it can ruin your chances of getting a good night’s sleep while also making your health suffer. To have a healthy and joyful life, you need to get enough sleep. Luckily, there are many ways to treat sleep apnea. This article can provide you with important information when dealing with sleep apnea.
If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, lose some weight. Being over-weight or obese can affect your breathing severely and can cause many health problems, including sleep apnea. Those individuals who lost at least twenty to twenty-five excess pounds saw a marked improvement in respiratory issues related to sleep apnea.
It may sound silly, but taking up a music instrument may improve your sleep apnea. When subjects in Germany were taught to play the didgeridoo, their sleep apnea symptoms were reduced. The researchers believe that practicing the instrument improved the tone of the muscles in the upper airway, which are responsible for airway dilation.
Get a CPAP mask that fits your face perfectly. If the mask that comes with your CPAP machine is too narrow or too loose, you will probably experience discomfort when you sleep and the machine might not work properly. Get a customized mask if you need to: the expense will be worth it.
It is best to have your sleep apnea diagnosed and treated by a doctor. If left untreated, you won’t be getting the needed rest you need, which will leave you feeling tired and unable to concentrate the next day, and may even lead to serious health problems down the road.
Sleep with your body perpendicular to the bed. Sleep apnea sufferers tend to sleep on their back. Sleeping on your back can cause the tissues in your mouth and throat to block your airway. It’s easier to breathe when looking to the side. If you roll on your back when you sleep, try using pillows to stay on your side.
If you suffer from sleep apnea and have a problem with your mouth opening while sleeping with your CPAP, a chin strap may be able to help. This little piece of fabric can work wonders to hold your chin that your breathing is not interrupted. CPAP therapy will not work if your mouth is open, so try this simple device to see if it fixes the problem.
Take your CPAP device with you when you are going to the hospital. Whether the stay is for a planned surgery or sudden emergency, make sure you have access to your CPAP for the duration of your stay. The machine is pre-set to your specifications and you have the benefit of wearing the mask you are already familiar with. Even if you are hospitalized, you can seamlessly continue using your CPAP in this manner.
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.
Anyone who suffers from sleep apnea should avoid using sleeping pills. It can be tempting to try to use them to help you sleep better, but these pills can relax your throat muscles and make your sleep apnea worse. They also have a number of other side effects that can be unpleasant.
If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP, try to replace your mask and hose every six months. Most insurance policies allow for a new mask and hose every six months, and some allow you to replace them every three months. The mask can stop fitting well after several months of use, and the hose can develop small cracks or holes that let air leak. Replace these items to keep getting the best CPAP therapy possible.
The CPAP machine is a common medical device, used by millions of people. Do not be self-conscious about it. Millions of people around the world use them, and you should ignore anyone who teases you about it. Anybody who doesn’t understand doesn’t deserve your time.
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.
Go to your doctor if you always feel sleepy and irritated. This might be caused by sleep apnea, even though your condition is not bad enough to wake you up in the middle of the night. A mild case of sleep apnea can cause you to sleep very lightly and not feel refreshed in the morning.
Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about sleep apnea. A proper diagnosis is critical. Tell your doctor everything that’s been going on, determine the exact cause and take immediate action.
Avoid sleeping pills and cold medicines if you suffer with sleep apnea. Taking anything that makes you drowsy will also relax the muscles of the airway passage and this can cause blockages and interruptions. Try getting into a solid routine that will prepare your mind and body for sleep instead.
A newer, yet popular sleep apnea treatment is flower therapy. This is where a person sniffs flowers to help open up the airways to sleep better. Usually, it’s recommended that you try this treatment about 30 minutes prior to bed. Vervain is the most common flower used in this kind of treatment.
Many methods can be used effectively to treat sleep apnea. Incorporate the tips in the above article to help yourself finally get the sleep you deserve. The quality of your life will be greatly improved after your sleeping problems are solved.
