Have you heard the term sleep apnea before? It may be surprising, but many people who think they snore suffer from this advanced, dangerous form called sleep apnea. If you, or a loved one, is dealing with this ailment, then be sure to read through the tips found here.
If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, lose some weight. Being overweight or obese can severely affect your breathing and cause many health problems, including sleep apnea. Those individuals who lost at least twenty to twenty-five excess pounds saw a marked improvement in respiratory issues related to sleep apnea.
Stop smoking. Smoking cigarettes is terrible for you for many different reasons. Smoking can also cause sleep apnea. It isn’t just bad for your lungs; it can also cause your upper airway to swell. This can make it difficult for you to get the breath you need at night.
If you are not sleeping with a partner, it’s almost impossible to determine if you’re suffering from sleep apnea. A physician can evaluate and record yourself sleeping through the night to gather evidence. Ensure that you record audio also, which will allow the doctors to evaluate noises you are making during sleep.
Sleep apnea is a severe condition that can be improved by losing weight if you are obese. Losing about 25 pounds can dramatically improve this condition. For some people, that will cure the problem. For others, it may help improve the symptoms you are experiencing. Try to eat healthily and make sure to get enough exercise every day.
A great way to know if you are experiencing severe apnea is to keep a sleep journal. Write down all the times that you wake up in the night and record how you feel in the morning. This will help you to have a record to see your progress.
For individuals who suffer from sleep apnea, sometimes the position you sleep in can make a difference. Try sleeping on your side. When people sleep on their backs, their tongues can block the airways, making it harder to breathe and causing sleep apnea symptoms.
If you have sleep apnea and have been using your current CPAP machine for five years or more, see if it is time to replace it. CPAP technology is rapidly changing all the time. Many insurance policies allow for a new CPAP machine every five years. If yours does, consider upgrading to the newest CPAP so you can get the best treatment possible.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, do not be shy about telling your friends and family. Sleep apnea is a widespread condition. It is possible that someone you know and love has it too and has not been diagnosed yet. By sharing your experience, you could help someone else realize they have a problem and encourage them to seek treatment.
If you discover you have sleep apnea, the first thing you should do is take a long look at your weight. Suppose you are overweight that can increase the problem. That means you need to take some time to learn about weight loss and exercise. Not only will your sleep improve, but your whole life will.
Keep a generator at home. If there is a power outage, your CPAP machine will stop functioning. Some CPAP machines have a battery that will kick in if the power goes out, but you should invest in a quality generator if you have to remain without power for several hours.
Relieve your sleep apnea symptoms by keeping your nasal passages clear. A good nasal spray can keep you breathing freely and lessen the occurrences of sleep apnea. Using a neti pot to clear sinuses before bedtime can keep you breathing all night freely long. Both nasal-spray and neti pots are available at any drug store.
If you have sleep apnea, do not use sleeping pills. These medications relax the throat muscles, which is not what you need to cure sleep apnea. They can also cause many 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.
If you suspect sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about undergoing a sleep study. During the study, you will be hooked to monitors while you sleep. These monitors will tell doctors about the oxygen levels in your blood, the stages of sleep you enter, and whether or not your breathing is inhibited while you sleep.
If your physician prescribes a CPAP machine for treating your sleep apnea, ask for a heated humidifier and additional bacterial filters for your machine. The durable medical equipment supplier may not automatically provide these, but they will help minimize bacterial growth and keep your nasal passages moist and comfortable.
Smoking is another thing that makes the problem of sleep apnea worse. It irritates the nasal passages and makes them swell. This, in turn, causes the airways to be partially blocked, making breathing on autopilot while you are asleep more difficult. Cutting smoking out entirely is ideal, but even reducing the smoke amount may help.
A lot of people with sleep apnea sleep on their back. Anyone with sleep apnea would be better off not sleeping on their back. It has been proven that side sleeping helps alleviate sleep apnea so you can get some rest.
Remember that CPAP machines treat the symptoms and will not cure your sleep apnea. The CPAP mechanically forces your airway to stay open while you sleep by continuously passing air through your airways. Although it will help your apnea symptoms, you will have to make other changes in your life if you want to cure your sleep apnea.
After reading this article, you are prepared to face your bed again. While you may continue suffering from apnea, you are now informed about what exactly apnea is and some of the best ways to reduce outbreaks of it. Remember to seek medical attention when you feel you have strong apnea.
