Sleep apnea is an extremely serious medical condition that affects millions of people throughout the world. The disorder can have a number of negative consequences and cause a variety of problems. If you are someone you know are afflicted with sleep apnea, the health tips and advice contained in this article will be of great benefit to you.
Strengthen your throat and jaw with some basic exercises. Developing these muscles should reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. You can exercise your throat and jaw by simply pulling your tongue or practicing some very simple breathing exercises. The goal is to train you to breathe differently and hopefully make your sleep apnea disappear.
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.
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 suffer from sleep apnea, it is vital to avoid consuming alcohol before bedtime. Alcohol acts as a sedative, therefore, it will naturally slow down your breathing. In addition, it will relax all the muscles in your body, including those in your throat that help to keep your airway open.
You must be careful not to use sedating medications if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Anything that sedates you will slow down your breathing, especially when you go to sleep. When you are sedated by medication, your throat muscles will relax and collapse more quickly as you sleep.
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.
One great way to track your sleep progress, especially if you sleep alone, is by recording yourself in the night. The next day you can watch for signs of apnea and see if there are specific times or triggers that cause the apnea. This is a great resource for your medical professional as well.
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, sleeping pills are definitely not your answer. Sleeping pills give you similar negative symptoms as alcohol would. These pills relax your airways too much and will worsen your symptoms. Not only will your symptoms worsen; you may experience other side effects as well. Lay off of sleeping pills for a good night’s rest.
All sleep apnea patients can benefit from information found through the AWAKE Foundation. AWAKE sponsors support groups across the country that are dedicated to educating and informing the public on issues and treatment options related to sleep apnea. These meetings frequently showcase new equipment and mask options for CPAP patients, as well as updates on new trends in treatment. With chapters in most regional areas, AWAKE serves as a very effective support service for patients and their families to get sound and reliable information to improve their health.
Having sleep apnea puts you at risk for developing diabetes. When you go into sleep apnea, the body is deprived of oxygen and must produce more adrenalin to compensate, which causes sugar levels to rise. If you already have diabetes, check your sugar levels at night. If you do not have diabetes, make sure you adopt a healthy diet to prevent this condition from developing.
If you have sleep problems, then consult your doctor to find the root of them by getting a comprehensive sleep study. This type of test can help you figure out if you’re suffering from sleep apnea and the intensity of the condition. After you are diagnosed you have to figure out how to treat your sleep apnea.
Use a tennis ball to help you sleep on your side. When you sleep on your back, you can have a hard time breathing, so make sure that you do something that helps you avoid back sleeping. A tennis ball sewn into the back of your pajamas will feel uncomfortable if you sleep on your back, so your body will learn to be on the side.
Nasal strips may help lessen your symptoms of sleep apnea. These types of strips i.e. Breathe Right may be able to open your nasal passages. Remember that clogged nasal passages may not be your reason for sleep apnea problems, but these over-the-counter nasal strips may help you relieve or lessen symptoms.
Put your bed on an angle. By slightly raising the head of your bed, you will keep your head higher than the rest of your body while you sleep and improve your sleep apnea symptoms. This can easily be done by placing bricks under the legs of the head of your bed. Ideally you’d like to raise the height no more than six inches.
If sleep apnea keeps you awake at night, take a nap during the day to compensate for lost sleep. Not getting enough sleep can take a terrible toll on your health and your ability to function. Because of this, take as many naps as possible so that your amount of good sleep is increased.
As mentioned at the opening of this article, sleep apnea is a common medical problem that can have serious health consequences if it is not treated properly. The information you have learned from this article, if applied correctly, will help you to treat your sleep apnea and improve your life.
