Sleep apnea comes with many cumbersome symptoms that prevent you from getting a sound night’s sleep. Unfortunately, the trickle-down effect will reach into every aspect of your day as well. Read on for some very helpful advice you can use to overcome the difficult symptoms of sleep apnea and get a good eight hours of sleep in.
When using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine, you should learn as much as you can about it. How to use the machine and when to use it should be your top priority. There are 800 numbers from the manufacturers that you can call if you have any questions about its use.
Sleep mouth guards can benefit you if you suffer from sleep apnea. Mouth guards help you breathe more throughout the night, which will reduce sleep apnea symptoms from arising. Ask your doctor about sleep mouth guards, and get fitted for one if you believe this could be the right solution for you.
Consider doing a few very specific exercises before going to bed each night, to alleviate some of your sleep apnea symptoms. Exercising throat and tongue muscles has been proven in scientific studies to reduce snoring, improve breathing and lessen the more profound effects of sleep apnea when done according to doctor’s orders.
Start playing a wind instrument to alleviate your sleep apnea symptoms. Playing this kind of instrument strengthens your muscles in the upper airways. These muscles are responsible for opening and closing your airway, as well as controlling the stiffness of the airway. Because of this, regular playing of this instrument can aid sleep by reducing the various symptoms that sleep apnea produces.
If you are over weight, going on a diet can reduce your sleep apnea, or in rare cases, eliminate it completely. Maintaining a healthy weight can help you breathe easier, so losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight when you have trouble breathing is an obvious step in treating your sleep apnea.
Try your best to maintain a regular sleeping schedule. When your body gets into a customary sleeping cycle, you will find yourself getting a better night’s sleep, and you will also be more relaxed. Several studies have shown that apnea episodes decrease when a person is not sleep deprived or stressed out.
If you suffer from sleep apnea and require a CPAP machine, make sure you have a medical ID bracelet. If you ever need medical attention in an emergency, it is critical that healthcare providers know that you have this condition and use that machine. The ID should mention that you have sleep apnea, you use a CPAP, and your CPAP should be set to a particular pressure level.
Losing weight is an excellent way to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. Symptoms of sleep apnea are completely resolved by many once they drop a few pounds. Loosing even a little weight can allow you to breathe more freely and get a good night’s sleep.
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from sleep apnea, you need to avoid caffeine and large meals before you go to bed. Stop eating and drinking any caffeinated beverages at least two hours before you go to bed. Both of these are linked to sleep apnea and should be avoided before bedtime.
If you use a CPAP machine, make sure the mask fits well. Most people who quit using their CPAP machine usually say it is because the machine is uncomfortable. There are a number of different masks available, so you are not forced to use one that causes discomfort. Try out many different styles to find the right one.
Keeping up to date on new trends in the medical community can be very advantageous to sleep apnea patients. The American Sleep Apnea Association has a patient website that offers a wealth of information on issues related to the disorder, online support group forums and effective treatment options. You can find the website at http://www.sleepapnea.org.
Some research studies have pointed to throat excercises reducing the severity of sleep apnea. The goal of these exercises is to prevent the throat from collapsing by strengthening the muscles supporting it. One good exercise involves pressing your tongue against the bony palate of the mouth and holding it for three minutes before releasing. Try this once every day.
Did you know that blowing up a balloon has another benefit besides making your child happy? This is actually a great exercise to strengthen the airways for those that suffer from sleep apnea. Repeating this balloon inflation five times in succession is recommended to get the most out of this exercise.
Check with your doctor about any medications that you are taking that may be causing your sleep apnea symptoms. Some prescription medications, such as muscle relaxers, may, in fact, promote the collapse of the soft tissue in the back of the throat which can contribute to the symptoms of sleep apnea.
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.
Make some drastic lifestyle changes if you must, in order to cure your sleep apnea. This means if you are smoking, drinking or taking sedatives, avoid doing so. If you don’t, this can worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. If you are addicted to smoking or drinking, consider getting help before being able to relieve your sleep symptoms.
Sleep is far too important to compromise on, so don’t let sleep apnea keep disturbing yours any longer. Put some of the tips of this article to good work for you against the nagging and burdensome symptoms of sleep apnea tonight. Hopefully you will finally have access to the quality sleep that has been eluding you for so long.
