Many people become frightened when they hear the term sleep apnea. It is true that sleep apnea is an extremely serious health problem, but the good news is that it can be treated and managed effectively. The key is knowledge and education. This article contains treatment advice and health care tips related to sleep apnea.
For people who suffer from sleep apnea, they may stop using their CPAP machine because it is noisy or too large. See if you can get an upgrade. The machines have gotten much smaller and quieter in recent years. You may be eligible for an upgrade. Contact your doctor or insurance provider for more information.
Did you know that sleep apnea is more than just snoring? Your breathing may actually stop, or it may become very shallow, and this could happen upwards of a hundred times or more each night. If you feel you may be suffering from this affliction, you should see a doctor and be properly diagnosed and discuss a treatment that works best for you.
Sleep apnea does not go away on its own; patients need treatment. Some treatments work better for different people. Very often, losing weight has a profound effect on sleep apnea symptoms; however, some very thin people have sleep apnea. The CPAP machine has been a very successful option for millions, and it does not involve any invasive procedures. Even the simplest surgery carries some risk, so it is best to consider surgery as a last option. No matter what route you take, your treatment is definitely key to a happy life.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is imperative that you stop smoking. Smoking cause the airways to swell, making sleep apnea worse. To quit, try using nicotine replacement treatment or a cessation program. The hardest period for the majority of smokers is the initial 30 days upon quitting. The strength of the cravings will then decrease as the nicotine begins to leave your system.
If you have a CPAP machine, you should always have it with you. Using a different machine might not work as well since the settings or the mask might be different. If you have to go to the hospital, have someone bring your machine so you can keep on using it.
Even though you want to sleep better, do not take sleeping medication if you suffer from, or have a history of sleep apnea. What you may think will help will only make the condition worse by relaxing your muscles even more when you sleep. If you suffer from insomnia along with sleep apnea, speak with your doctor.
If you use a CPAP machine and suffer from dry mouth as a result, there are two solutions. First, try increasing the humidity of your system. If that doesn’t work, you can also try a chin strap. One or both of these solutions can prevent the air leakage that causes dry mouth.
Keep a generator at home. If there is a power outage, your CPAP machine will stop functioning. Some CPAP machines have a battery that will kick in if the power goes out but you should invest in a quality generator in case you have to remain without power for several hours.
Clear your nasal passages before you go to sleep to avoid apnea. Open them up by using some saline spray, nasal dilator or a neti pot. Clearing the nasal passages will allow you to breathe easier while you are sleeping. Do not forget to use distilled water when you use a neti pot.
Avoid anything that can make your sleep apnea worse, especially high altitudes. Sleeping in a high altitude ie. airplanes can actually make your symptoms worse as the loss of oxygen increases. If you must travel, make sure you talk to your physician about how you can relieve your symptoms of sleep apnea.
When you are sleeping, in addition to laying on your side, it is also useful to prop your head up. This can be done by using an extra pillow or even a special pillow designed for people who suffer from apnea. A special wedge pillow is the perfect shape for this function.
Falling asleep belly up can be detrimental for sufferers of sleep apnea. Sleeping on your back does not allow enough air to get into your airways, making sleep apnea flare up. The best thing you can do is sleep on the side.
If you suffer from sleep apnea avoid any sort of opiate at all costs. Most opiates are used to treat pain, but the use of opiates in even mild sufferers of sleep apnea can possibly be life threatening. Though sleep is important, your life is obviously much more important, so avoid opiates.
Keep your throat and jaw muscles in shape. You have to work on your internal muscles and get them strong in order to deal with sleep apnea. You can make a significant difference with your sleep by doing this.
Use a mouth guard. A mouth guard helps the jaw stay in proper alignment so you may start to breath more easily and effectively. You may need to be fitted for a proper mouth guard, so ask a doctor if you are right for one and if it will help you.
Do not drink alcohol before you sleep. Alcohol can worsen sleep disorders, like sleep apnea. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It worsens sleep apnea and can cause you to become dangerously unresponsive if you stop breathing. This is a potentially fatal combination.
As was stated in the opening paragraph of this article, although sleep apnea is a serious medical problem, it can be effectively treated. The key is to educate yourself on the nature of the disorder and to read up on all of the treatment options. Apply what you have learned from this article to help you treat your sleep apnea.
