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.
Learn how to play a wind instrument. Studies have found that playing a wind instrument like the flute or the didgeridoo can help with sleep apnea. Wind instruments exercise your breathing and help your body get accustomed to taking in sufficient amounts of air. Your throat will be able to better control airway dilation.
Get a CPAP mask that fits your face perfectly. If the mask that comes with your CPAP machine is too narrow or too loose, you will probably experience discomfort when you sleep and the machine might not work properly. Get a customized mask if you need to: the expense will be worth it.
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.
Try yourself to sleep on your side. If you fall asleep on your back, gravity can make it easier for your tongue and/or tonsils to fall back into your throat and obstruct your windpipe, causing apnea episodes. While it may be hard a first, as time passes, however, it will start to become second nature to sleep on your side.
If you do not know if your snoring is from sleep apnea or just simple snoring, try using a sleep diary. In this diary, you will need to record how much time you spend in bed, the number of times that you awaken each night, and how tired you feel when you arise in the morning.
Take the steps to find out if you actually have sleep apnea. Those who snore don’t necessarily have the disorder. If you have a sleeping partner, ask them questions about your actions during sleep. Do you stop breathing and gasp for air? That is a sure sign of sleep apnea.
If you suffer from sleep apnea and you use a CPAP, carry your medical ID. If you need attention from paramedics or have to go to a hospital, your caregivers need to know that you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and require a CPAP. This identification card should tell caregivers that you suffer from sleep apnea, and that you make use of a CPAP set to a specified pressure level to sleep.
Drink one cup of caffeinated coffee a few hours before you go to sleep. It may seem silly to drink a caffeine drink at night, but this can actually help keep your throat open while you sleep. You may have to play around with what time you drink the coffee to avoid restlessness.
You can try nasal sprays if your sleep apnea is caused by your nasal passages. Using nasal spray a couple of nights in a row should help you sleep. It’s important to follow the instructions for usage, as these sprays should be used temporarily, not permanently Take a trip to the local pharmacy to see what they have available to help with keeping your nose open when you’re sleeping.
New apnea patients who are being fitted for CPAP equipment should insist on trying out several mask options. It is customary for the DME providers (Durable Medical Equipment) to show up at your door with a CPAP machine and a basic mask. Truth be told, there are many different styles of masks, and finding the best style for you dramatically improves your compliance with the CPAP therapy. Take the upper hand and insist that they show you a variety of masks, even if you have to go into their showroom. Like so many health issues, knowledge is the key. You will get better service and far more relief by knowing your options and speaking your mind.
Getting a sufficient amount of sleep every night (about 7 to 8 hours) helps to decrease sleep apnea episodes. It has been proven that sleep apnea is less likely to occur when the body is well rested and relaxed. Try to have a specific sleep schedule and stick to it each night.
At bedtime, elevate your head using pillows. This will allow your airways to remain open as you sleep, and will reduce sleep apnea. Just make sure that your neck and back are comfortable so that you are not causing any pain in these areas while you are trying to help your sleep apnea.
It’s a good idea to try to sleep on your side rather than your back if you’re struggling with sleep apnea. Sewing a pair of balled up socks or a tennis ball onto the back of your PJs will help prevent rolling over. It does so by making it intolerable to sleep on your back.
One way to reduce problems with sleep apnea is to start playing a wind instrument. These types of instruments will actually train your muscles in your upper airways, which are the muscles needed to control airway dilation while you are sleeping. Not only will you sleep better, you will also have a new skill to show off!
Getting fitted for a mouth guard may help reduce your sleep apnea if you have an overbite, a small size jaw or a recessed chin. The position of your jawbone can actually block your airways when you have these problems. Using a mouth guard will help correct this issue, and can reduce the symptoms that you are struggling with.
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.
