Lots of people are unaware that feeling fatigue can be a symptom of a sleeping disorder. Airway obstruction, which causes sleep apnea, is often the culprit. If you worry that sleep apnea may be in the picture, read on.
For people who suffer from sleep apnea, they may stop using their CPAP machine because it is noisy or too large. See if you can get an upgrade. The machines have gotten much smaller and quieter in recent years. You may be eligible for an upgrade. Contact your doctor or insurance provider for more information.
Sleep on your side if you want to avoid sleep apnea. Our airways can get obstructed if we sleep while on our backs. Try to fall asleep on one of your sides to see if that improves your sleep apnea this evening.
You may not even realize you have sleep apnea. If you have no wife or husband to tell you, you be unaware you stop breathing at night. Record yourself to get a better picture of what is happening while you sleep. Make sure any video you make includes an audio stream, since certain noises are clues that you may suffer from sleep apnea.
Don’t leave your CPAP machine behind if you’re a sleep apnea sufferer headed out on a trip. A diagnosis of sleep apnea is serious and means that you cannot forgo the use of your CPAP for even a single night. This CPAP should have a travel bag that came with it. The bag should be used to secure your CPAP during all of your travels.
If you’re admitted to the hospital, take your sleep apnea machine with you. If you are scheduled for hospitalization or if you go to emergency, you should make available your CPAP machine and mask. You will your mask you’re used to, and the pressure will be set right. All of this will mean much better sleep for you with your CPAP, if you need hospitalization for any length of time.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, it’s very important for you to sleep on your side. Avoid sleeping on your back at all costs, as this position does not allow enough air to get into your airways. To prevent yourself from sleeping on your back, put a tennis ball in the back of your pajamas.
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 you are flying on a plane and it’s going to be a long trip, you need to speak with the airline ahead of time to make arrangements to use the CPAP machine. Friendly airlines are happy to seat you where there is sufficient room for you and your machine. Remind them that you will need to plug your machine in, or you can use a machine that uses batteries as a backup measure.
People that snore or have sleep apnea can play a musical instrument to help. This can significantly help you get through the night without bothering other people with your heavy snoring. Any instrument that strengthens your airway muscles can improve your breathing at night.
Taking the time to exercise your jaw and stick out your tongue may seem like children’s play. In a recent scientific study, people who performed jaw and tongue exercises daily were able to relieve some of their sleep apnea symptoms. It may not work for everyone, but could be worth a try for a good night’s rest.
If you are drowsy, listen to your body. If you are not getting enough sleep at night because of sleep apnea, you are more likely to feel drowsy during the day. This indicates that your treatments are not effective. So, when you are feeling drowsy on a regular basis, consider visiting your doctor to re-discuss your treatment options and your current apnea treatment plan.
If you have sleep apnea, do not use sleeping pills. These medications work to relax the throat muscles, which is not what you need to cure sleep apnea. They can also cause a lot of other problems, so it is best to stay away from them. If you have a hard time falling asleep at night, try learning some natural ways to rest your body.
Try nasal spray to help alleviate your troubling sleep apnea symptoms. Moistening of the nasal passages can decrease snoring and increase comfort! Use a little about ten minutes prior to going to bed and your sleep should be improved; for extra relief, place a humidifier in the room as well.
Alcohol has also been shown to negatively exacerbate the symptoms of sleep apnea. As a depressant it relaxes your throat muscles, making it easier for your airway to become blocked. By not drinking in the hours leading up to bedtime you give yourself a better chance of keeping your airways open.
Because sleep apnea is caused by weak throat muscles, strengthening these muscles makes good sense. If you wish to learn how to make your throat muscles stronger, you can do several simple and quick exercises.
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.
Sleeping on your side instead of your back can help you with your sleep apnea by straightening out your breathing passageways. If it is hard for you to make the adjustment, try using a wedge pillow to keep you on your side. Furthermore, only use one pillow to prop your head.
You need to look into treating your sleep apnea effectively. Without the proper amount of sleep, your health will suffer and you will be tired more often. If you follow these tips, you will get better sleep and feel better. as well.
