While anyone suffering from any medical condition, including sleep apnea, should always seek out medical attention, there are also some things that can be done alone. The most important thing to do is seek out information and tips, and that is exactly what this article is here for- information about sleep apnea.
Make sure that the mask you use on your CPAP machine fits properly. Often, people will stop using their CPAP because the mask does not fit right. If your mask is uncomfortable, try getting a different mask. There are many different masks available, so choose one that fits right and is comfortable to use.
Have your dentist fit you for a custom mouth guard. Fitted mouth guards help people sleep through the night. This can be an alternative to a CPAP machine, and can be more comfortable, to boot. You will find that this mouth guard stabilizes the soft tissues and allows the airways to be more open.
People who do not have a partner sleeping with them may not know they suffer from sleep apnea. If you wake up with a dry or sore mouth, wake up out of breath, have morning headaches, insomnia, and/or go to the bathroom frequently during the night, you may have sleep apnea and should talk to a doctor.
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.
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.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can be improved by losing weight if you are obese. Losing about 25 pounds can dramatically improve this condition. For some people that will cure the problem, for others it may just help improve the symptoms that you are experiencing. Try to eat healthy and make sure to get enough exercise every day.
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can help anyone dealing with sleep apnea. Once you can get on a schedule and stick to it, you will notice that your symptoms will decrease as your body gets more sleep. Make a routine that works for your lifestyle, and do your best to stick to it.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, do not be shy about telling your friends and family. Sleep apnea is an extremely common condition. It is very possible that someone you know and love has it too and has not been diagnosed yet. By sharing your experience, you could help someone else realize they have a problem and encourage them to seek treatment.
While it is common sense to avoid caffeine before sleeping, this is especially true for people who have problems with snoring or apnea. This is a simple thing to cut out, just remember that this includes soft drinks, coffee and even some types of coffee flavored foods. This will also help you sleep faster.
There are different ways that sleep specialists will treat sleep apnea. They may start by treating an underlying medical condition, using oxygen while you are sleeping or utilizing breathing devices that will manage your obstructive sleep apnea. They could prescribe medications that will help with the sleepiness, but will not help with the apnea itself.
There are a few simple solutions sleep apnea sufferers can look into. Stick to a regular, set schedule and go to bed at the same time each night. Keeping your bedroom environment as conducive to healthy, undisturbed sleep as possible is very important. Don’t sleep in a room that you won’t have a comfortable time sleeping in.
Your nasal breathing may contribute to sleep apnea. If you have a stuffy nose, make sure that you help open your airways with a nose spray. Your local drugstore sells over the counter sprays that are great for this purpose, but feel free to ask a pharmacist for help choosing the right one.
Avoid back sleeping if you suffer from sleep apnea. If you sleep on your back, the likelihood that your airways will constrict during the night increases dramatically. Sleeping on your side is ideal if you suffer from this condition.
Shed the pounds that have been bugging you. Those same pounds that you cringe at when you look in the mirror may also be causing your sleep apnea. In fact, there is a rule of thumb out there that for every 10% of the weight you lose, your sleep apnea will improve by 30%.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, try chewing on both sides of your mouth! It may sound odd, but if you think about it, chewing works all of your jaw muscles, so balanced strength and functionality may lessen the airway problems associated with sleep apnea. You might also try specific exercises that work all muscles in the jaw and throat.
Consider taking up a wind instrument. You can pick up instruments like the clarinet or the flute to build your throat muscles. Playing these instruments helps you learn air control and exercises your airway muscles, increasing their strength. After practicing for a bit, your muscles will be stronger and you will breathe better.
Remember, this article doesn’t substitute a doctor’s advice, but it is a great resource for people who want tips about living with sleep apnea. If someone follows these tips they will be able to learn how to have a fulfilling, rested life in spite of living with sleep apnea daily.
