Do you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night for no known reason? If you live alone you may not know what is happening, but if you sleep with a loved one, they can probably tell you that you are snoring or experiencing sleep apnea! Keep reading to learn how to deal with this ailment.
A CPAP machine may turn out to be vital in combating your sleep apnea, and you should get your doctor’s advice about what model is right for you. The machine size and how loud it is are things you should think about. Don’t worry too much about the sound as there are many types of very quiet machines that will not disrupt sleep. Your doctor should be able to point you in the right direction of a capable machine.
Alleviate you sleep apnea by loosing weight. Many studies have demonstrated that sleep apnea can be significantly improved or even eliminated when patients slim down. You can go to the gym, join exercise classes or just get out and walk. Taking off the extra pounds will help you sleep more soundly.
Sleep apnea is no joke. If you think you may have it, talk to a doctor immediately. An official diagnosis might mean consultation with a sleep specialist, a sleep test and monitoring to get a whole grasp on your situation.
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.
Try using a chin strap if your mouth falls open when you sleep while using a CPAP each night. This strap is a small strip of material that holds up your chin while you sleep, thus keeping your mouth closed. Your mouth needs to remain closed for CPAP therapy to be effective.
Make sure you have something with you at all times that explains that you suffer from sleep apnea and you use a CPAP. If tragedy strikes, it will be important for help to know you require the assistance of a CPAP machine. This ID should say that you have apnea, that you use CPAP, and that your machine has to be set at a certain pressure level.
If you are using a CPAP to treat sleep apnea, be sure to take it when you’re going to the hospital. If you are scheduled for hospitalization or if you go to emergency, you should make available your CPAP machine and mask. You have already set the pressure to the appropriate level, and you are accustomed to the mask that you have been using nightly. Your whole hospitalization process will go much smoother because of this.
Get treatment for your allergies or sinus problems if you have sleep apnea. It’s already hard for you to breathe when you sleep due to your condition. You want to reduce any chance that you have of disturbing your sleep. You can get a much better night’s sleep if your treat your allergies or sinus problems and keep your breathing clearer.
Being overweight is a common cause of sleep apnea. If you suffer from this condition, losing weight can help you find relief. Talk to your doctor to find some safe and effective ways of dropping a few pounds. Doing so will also benefit you in many other ways as well.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is essential that you stop smoking immediately. People who smoke are 3 times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than non smokers or those who have quit smoking. There are many wonderful programs that can help you kick the habit.
Although there are many things, you can do yourself regarding sleep apnea, don’t forget the help of the medical community. When dealing with a problem as serious as sleep apnea, you need to seek the help of a doctor as well as a sleep clinic in order to avoid any serious medical problems.
The most important aspect of dealing with sleep apnea is understanding exactly what it is. Unlike simple snoring, it is when a sleeper stop’s breathing for a short period of time while he is sleeping. If your sleep partner tells you that sometimes you stop breathing, there is a good chance you have apnea.
If you use a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, sleep with it every night. When you take the mask off at night, your symptoms will return. Sometimes they might disappear for one or two nights, but then return. Wearing the mask every night prevents episodes of sleep apnea from occurring.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, and you use a CPAP, check with your doctor about a heated humidifier. Warm, moist air will help keep you asleep comfortably. Many CPAP manufacturers are providing machines with integrated humidifiers, so check with your doctor to see if that is a good option for you.
If you have sleep apnea and have been using your current CPAP machine for five years or more, see if it is time to get it replaced. CPAP technology is rapidly changing all the time. Many insurance policies allow for a new CPAP machine every five years. If yours does, consider upgrading to the newest CPAP so you can get the best treatment possible.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, give up sleeping facing up. Sleeping on the back causes the airway to block, preventing sound and restful sleep. Pillows may assist you in side sleeping.
When you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may initially worry that you will never sleep well again, but that need not be true. By following these tips you will be on the path to a great night’s sleep once again. This is important not only for you, but also for any loved ones who sleep nearby.
