It is impossible to overstate the potentially negative impact sleep apnea can have on your life. In order to properly manage this condition and reclaim a normal sleep cycle, it is necessary to spend some time gaining knowledge of the topic. By digesting the information that follows, it is possible to do just that.
Consider using a mouth guard when you sleep. If your jaw is improperly aligned, this could lead to issues with sleep apnea. The alignment of your jaw has a lot to do with whether or not you are getting sufficient airflow. Being fitted for a mouth guard can help your breathe while it’s correcting the problem.
If you have sleep apnea, be sure to ask your doctor every five years if you should have a follow-up sleep study. As your weight and health change, your CPAP pressure may need to be adjusted. The most accurate way to reassess your needs is to have another sleep study with CPAP so the appropriate pressure can be determined.
Do not take sleeping pills if you suffer from sleep apnea. These pills are not recommended if you suffer from this condition because they relax the muscles of your throat. Skipping them can actually help you get a better night of sleep because your apnea symptoms are not aggravated.
Sleep apnea is not a condition to take likely. If you notice some of the warning signs, you need to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Once you know whether or not you have it for sure, you can figure out how to deal with it.
People who use alcohol, sedatives, and sleeping pills are far more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. This is because these drugs will relax the throat and cause their breathing to be impaired. Using these drugs before bedtime is more likely to cause sleep apnea than using these drugs during the day.
Stick with a single ordinary pillow when you go to sleep. When you use an over-sized pillow or multiple pillows, it can skew your position. This may result in breathing difficulties, because you end up in odd positions. This is why one pillow is best to manage your symptoms.
Reduce your sleep apnea risk factors. There are some factors that are unavoidable. These can include being male or family genetics. On the other hand, certain risk factors, such as being fat, smoking cigarettes, and drinking alcohol, are entirely under your control.
Did you know there are exercises that you can do to reduce your sleep apnea? Throat exercises are a great way to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. Try pressing the tongue against the floor of your mouth. Use a toothbrush to brush the tongues tops and sides. Repeat this exercise three times a day for five repetitions.
Even though you want to sleep better, do not take sleeping medication if you suffer from, or have a history of sleep apnea. What you may think will help will only make the condition worse by relaxing your muscles even more when you sleep. If you suffer from insomnia along with sleep apnea, speak with your doctor.
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.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, it is important that you maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight significantly worsens sleep apnea and losing just a few excess pounds can go a long way towards dramatically improving your ability to breathe properly while you sleep. Following a healthy diet and exercise plan is one of the best ways to deal with sleep apnea.
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.
If you suffer from allergies, make sure that you bedroom is clean. Allergens in your sleeping environment can certainly worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. Be sure to vacuum carpeted areas regularly, and keep window treatments dust-free. Avoid having pets in your bedroom if you can help it, and wash your bedding frequently.
If the mask provided for your CPAP machine is uncomfortable, ask the equipment provider if you can try another. There are a variety of mask types available, and while they may not all work for your specific situation; your equipment supplier should work with you to find one that is comfortable.
Discuss your sleep apnea with your partner. You may have snored and awoken during the night. Your spouse will definitely be relieved to get a good night’s sleep once your apnea condition is treated.
Make sure your doctor knows about other conditions you have and all the medications you take. Some medications you may take for other conditions can be causing your apnea or making it worse. Your doctor may be able to make adjustments in your medications that can relieve your sleep apnea.
Avoid using pillows that are too soft to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. A very soft pillow will allow the soft tissue at the back of the throat to collapse and block normal breathing. A special sleep apnea pillow, such as a foam wedge, can be used to give the head and upper torso support during sleep.
Sleep apnea has long been wreaking havoc on the lives of millions of afflicted individuals. The right way to get a handle on the situation is to research the subject as much as possible. Utilize the advice in the piece above, and you will be off to a very effective start.
