If sleeping each night is causing you issues, you may have sleep apnea. There are many people with this condition, and it is a difficult one to live with. Luckily, there are ways to deal with it. The following advice will assist you in dealing with sleep apnea.
Excess weight is an issue that plays a negative role in many sleep apnea sufferers’ conditions. The obvious solution is to lose the excess weight. A logical weight loss program that includes a restrictive, yet healthy diet together with a sensible exercise routine is necessary. Reducing carbohydrate intake can be an effective way to take off the pounds, according to some recent studies.
Do you smoke and drink? Take steps to eliminate these unhealthy habits. These items can harm your airways. Alcohol relaxes some throat muscles to the point that sleep apnea becomes worse. Cigarettes also cause you to have difficulty breathing. If you cannot get rid of these habits for good, make an effort to avoid smoking or drinking before you go to bed.
For people who are using a CPAP machine, you need to take notes to give to your doctor. If you experience any symptoms, like snoring, that were eliminated when you started using the CPAP machine and they come back, you need to let your doctor know. Only your doctor can properly assess any problems.
You should know that using a CPAP machine can cause certain side effects, including snoring, congestion, irritation or dryness in your mouth and airways. If this occurs, you should go to your doctor and make sure you are using your machine properly. Consider using a different mask or a different machine.
Have a mouth guard made for you. They make these mouth guards specifically for people that suffer from sleep apnea. A mouth guard will help keep your airway open and may eliminate the need for a CPAP machine. The mouth guard keeps your jaw in the proper position and keeps your airway more open.
Understand the effects that smoking and drinking alcohol have on sleep apnea, if you are trying to get a grip on your quality of sleep. Smoking enlarges airways, while alcohol can relax them too much, both of which will contribute to the symptoms of sleep apnea severely. Consider making the necessary cut-backs that will cut down on your sleep problems.
Going to bed on your side can be something you can do to help you get better rest if you have sleep apnea. Back sleeping promotes airway obstruction. Be sure to go to sleep sideways and find out if that helps you to sleep tonight.
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 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.
The major signs of sleep apnea are loud snoring, choking or gasping while sleeping, significant lapses in breathing, and daytime tiredness. Other common symptoms are morning headaches, restless sleep, irritability, waking with a sore throat or dry mouth and even having more frequent runs to the bathroom at night. If you exhibit these, then you should see your doctor promptly.
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.
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, sleeping pills are definitely not your answer. Sleeping pills give you similar negative symptoms as alcohol would. These pills relax your airways too much and will worsen your symptoms. Not only will your symptoms worsen; you may experience other side effects as well. Lay off of sleeping pills for a good night’s rest.
Do not give up if the first treatment you try does not work. Give each treatment a few weeks before you decide to give up and move on to the next treatment. Finding the right solution can take some time, but you will be glad you went through this process.
Keep a humidifier in your room to keep your skin from getting to dry while using CPAP devices. A humidifier will increase the moisture in the room to keep your skin from getting too dry and irritated. You might also want to try an intensive lotion for dry skin.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, one of the simplest ways to improve your condition is to cut back on the amount of alcohol that you drink, especially before bedtime. Drinking alcohol causes throat muscles to relax and block off your throat, making it much more difficult to breathe.
Snoring and sleep apnea are two, totally different things. It’s important that you know the difference between the two so you can see your doctor if you think you have it. Signs of sleep apnea include extremely loud snoring, fatigue in the daytime, choking or gasping for air at nighttime and labored breathing.
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.
You’ve seen that there are many ways to handle sleep apnea. Give each of them a try, and stick with the ones that prove effective. This is the first step towards a more restful night’s sleep. You shouldn’t let sleep apnea take control of your life.
