A significant percentage of the world’s population has sleep apnea. Unfortunately, many of the people do not even realize they are suffering from it because they mistake what they’re going through for something else. Educate yourself so that you can spot what you need to about sleep apnea from a mile away.
Get a checkup regularly and act upon your doctor’s suggestions. Besides excess weight, you could be suffering from health issues such as heart disease and hypertension, which can greatly increase your chance of suffering from sleep apnea. Even problems with blood sugar can make sleeping a miserable experience for apnea sufferers.
You should know that getting a CPAP machine is not going to make your symptoms go away for good. These machines will help you sleep better and perhaps reduce your symptoms on the long term. Keep in mind that you really need to use your machine every night for this treatment to work.
If you have a prescription for sleep apnea and you are prescribed a CPAP, you should at least use it four hours every night. It can be hard, at first, to get comfortable using it. If you want your treatment to work, it is essential to use your CPAP for at least 4 hours every night. Using it for the minimum of four hours a day will allow yourself to slowly transition to full time use.
Don’t drink a lot of alcohol. Alcohol causes all the muscles in your body to lose their tension. This might be something you want to do but it can also exacerbate your sleep apnea. Like the rest of your muscles, those around your throat and airway relax under the influence of alcohol, making it harder for you to maintain a proper air passage. If you must drink alcohol, consume it sparingly and at least a few hours before heading to bed.
Sleep apnea is no joke. If you feel some of the symptoms, then you need to consult a physician as quickly as you can. When you are officially diagnosed, you are going to be referred to a sleep specialist. You may even have to take a sleep test at home with a monitor to fully discover the depth of your symptoms.
Do not let sleep apnea ruin your relationship. If your partner has difficulties sleeping next to you because of your snoring or other symptoms linked to sleep apnea, communicate about the problem. be understanding and consider sleeping apart or getting a CPAP machine to reduce your snoring and other symptoms.
If you have no one with you while you sleep, it would be hard to tell if sleep apnea is your problem. A video recorder can help you discover whether you are sleeping well or struggling. Make sure you include the audio, so your doctor can hear what sounds you make.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Getting buzzed or drunk causes your airways to relax too much. If someone goes to sleep in a drunk state, you can hear the effects from their deep snoring. In someone who already suffers from sleep apnea, it can be very dangerous. Avoid alcoholic drinks to sleep safer.
If you have sleep apnea and were just prescribed a CPAP, keep trying different masks until you find the one that fits you just right. Some masks may not be the right size or shape for your face. If your CPAP mask is leaking air into your eyes all night or rubbing the skin on your forehead raw, ask your sleep center to prescribe a different mask for you.
An excellent way to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea is to prop up your head and body. If you can get your head at least 4 inches off of the mattress or elevate your torso from the waist up, you will reduce your symptoms. Try using a foam wedge or cervical pillow when sleeping to do this.
A great way to know if you are experiencing severe apnea is to keep a sleep journal. Write down all the times that you wake up in the night and also record how you feel in the morning. This will help you to have a record to see your progress.
If simple changes in your lifestyle, such as regular sleep hours and losing weight, have not eliminated your sleep apnea episodes, it is time to consult with a sleep specialist. The specific causes of your sleep apnea can be evaluated, and an individual treatment plan can be designed for you.
There are different kinds of CPAP machines: CPAP refers to the machines that provide you with a continuous airflow while APAP machines adapt the air pressure to your needs. There are also Bilevel machines that provide a higher pressure when you breathe in and a lower when you breathe out. Try different machines and talk to your doctor to find out what is best.
All sleep apnea patients can benefit from information found through the AWAKE Foundation. AWAKE sponsors support groups across the country that are dedicated to educating and informing the public on issues and treatment options related to sleep apnea. These meetings frequently showcase new equipment and mask options for CPAP patients, as well as updates on new trends in treatment. With chapters in most regional areas, AWAKE serves as a very effective support service for patients and their families to get sound and reliable information to improve their health.
Learn to recognize sleep apnea. If you snore a lot or choke and can’t breathe during the night, this is probably a sign of sleep apnea. Use a tape recorded if you sleep alone and listen to the tape to find out how much noise you make during the night.
If you believe you are the one suffering from sleep apnea, it’s time to do something about it. The information here will help you be well on your way to finding a solution that you may not even have realized that you desperately needed. Make a positive step to finding a solution soon!
