Dealing with sleep apnea can be one of the most challenging sleep problems you can face. However, sleep apnea has many treatments, so it is not the worst thing that can happen. The tips ahead are going to help you deal with sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea sufferers should always invest in a heated humidifier equipped with a bacterial filtering mechanism in the room where they sleep. This type of machine makes it possible to guard against the fragile membranes that line the lungs and nasal passages, preventing the worsening of existing symptoms.
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. Several different masks are available, so you are not forced to use one that causes discomfort. Try out many different styles to find the right one.
A great way to ensure that you do not sleep on your back and cause sleep apnea is to use a tennis ball to prevent rolling onto your back. You can place one on a pillow behind your back, and when you roll over in your sleep, the tennis ball will make you roll back on your side.
Suppose you think that you may have sleep apnea. Set up a video of yourself as you sleep. Just be sure that the video recorder has sound capability. When you wake up, look at the video, and if it seems like something other than snoring is going on, it may be time to go to the doctor.
Did you know there are exercises 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.
Keep your throat, and head elevated while you sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea, your airways are blocked while you sleep. So, keeping your throat and head in an elevated position helps keep your airways open. This can translate into a better night of sleep with reduced sleep apnea symptoms.
Believe it or not, it has been scientifically proven that your sleep apnea can be tied to your weight. A recent study proved that people who have lost at least 25 pounds relieved their sleep apnea symptoms. This drastic slim down should be taken slowly, over at least one year.
While you may not be obese or even very overweight, even a couple of extra pounds can cause sleep apnea. Even if you have a little belly, you should work to get rid of it and see if that removes your sleeping problems. You will thank yourself for it afterward.
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.
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 could relieve some of their sleep apnea symptoms. It may not work for everyone but could be worth trying for a good night’s rest.
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.
Several tools are available to open up nasal passages that work to varying degrees. You should try several of these to see if they work well for you. The cheapest and easiest options are nasal strips, but neti pots are also becoming increasingly common for this type of problem.
Shed the pounds that have been bugging you. Those same pounds that you cringe at when you look in the mirror may also be causing your sleep apnea. There is a rule of thumb out there that for every 10% of the weight you lose, your sleep apnea will improve by 30%.
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 you drink, especially before bedtime. Drinking alcohol causes throat muscles to relax and block off your throat, making breathing much more difficult.
Take any alcoholic beverages out of your diet. Any alcohol you consume can make your sleep disorder worse. This is also true for many different medications, like pain medications, narcotics, and even anti-anxiety prescriptions. If you suffer from sleep apnea and take certain medications, talk with your doctor about potential side effects.
Many people have found that learning to play wind instruments is helpful for sleep apnea. To help with your sleep apnea, you should learn the clarinet, flute, or wind instrument. These instruments help you control airflow in your windpipe and strengthen your throat muscles. After practicing for a bit, your muscles will be stronger, and breathe better.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is essential to remember to inform all your other doctors of this. Sleep apnea can affect your overall health and contribute to other health problems. Any doctor treating you needs to know that you have a sleep disorder and what you are doing to treat it.
We live in a fast-paced world and need enough energy to meet the day and accomplish our obligations. If you are experiencing sleep apnea, you don’t have to let it get the best of you. The article below has information that can help you.
