If your
partner complains that you snore during your sleep, or if you wake up in the
morning feeling tired and grouchy, you may have a common sleep disorder called
sleep apnea. This means that at night, your airway is blocked and you stop
breathing during your sleep. If you have this condition, you need to find
treatment right away to avoid further problems.
Try losing a few pounds
If you suffer
from chronic sleep apnea. Controlled studies have proven that people with this
sleep disturbance benefit greatly after losing 20 or more pounds. Symptoms may
even diminish completely, so you now have yet another reason to get your weight
down to a healthier number!
Did you know
That sleep
apnea is more than just snoring? Your breathing may actually stop, or it may
become very shallow, and this could happen upwards of a hundred times or more
each night. If you feel you may be suffering from this affliction, you should
see a doctor and be properly diagnosed and discuss a treatment that works best
for you.
If you are over weight
Going on a
diet can reduce your sleep apnea, or in rare cases, eliminate it completely.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help you breathe easier, so losing weight and
maintaining a healthy weight when you have trouble breathing is an obvious step
in treating your sleep apnea.
It is best to have your
Sleep apnea
diagnosed and treated by a doctor. If left untreated, you won't be getting the
needed rest you need, which will leave you feeling tired and unable to
concentrate the next day, and may even lead to serious health problems down the
road.
For the sleep apnea patient
Using CPAP
treatment, the wide range of options in machines and masks can seem overwhelming.
The key to selecting the best equipment for your needs is to test out the
various models yourself. Your Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider should
have a variety of masks and accessories available for you to try out. Don't
settle for the "standard" company mask. Insist on viewing several and
being fitted properly. Comfort and good fit are key to successfully adjusting
to CPAP treatment.
If you are a smoker
And suffer
from sleep apnea, quit, or at the very least, cut back dramatically. Smoking is
dangerous for those who suffer from sleep apnea because it causes swelling to
the airways, not to mention all the tar it leaves behind in your lungs and
airways.
Don't use multiple or oversize pillows
The use of
multiple cushions, or very large pillows, can throw off your sleeping posture
and inhibit your breathing. Not only is this bad for your neck in general, it
also restricts your airway. You can minimize the impact your sleep apnea has by
using just a single pillow in bed.
Sleep apnea events can be decreased
By keeping
regular sleep hours. Going to bed and getting up at approximately the same time
every day will provide better and more relaxed sleep. This simple lifestyle
change can be a big help when sleep apnea is in the mild to moderate range.
It's important to lose weight
If you suffer
from sleep apnea and you are overweight. The heavier you are, the harder it is
for air to get down your throat. In fact, some studies suggest that obese
people who suffer from sleep apnea can get rid of the condition by losing
weight.
Try to slim down
Sleep apnea
is exacerbated and sometimes even caused by obesity. Try losing enough weight
to shift your BMI from obese to just overweight or even healthy. People who
have lost weight have improved their sleep apnea symptoms, and some have even
cured their sleep apnea completely.
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.
Take the initiative
And figure
out how to live with sleep apnea. By not visiting your doctor and searching for
a treatment, your sleep apnea symptoms are just going to get worse. Don't allow
your lack of sleep and snoring problems to become unbearable. Consult your
physician immediately if you experience symptoms associated with sleep apnea.
Do not hesitate to ask your partner
for help
Your partner
could help you get your CPAP machine ready before you go to sleep and even wake
you up if you are choking and gasping in the middle of the night. If your
partner is not willing to do these things for you, you should probably find
someone who is really there when you need them.
Find out as much
As you can
about your sleep apnea. You may know your symptoms and know what the doctor
suggests, but do what you can to find out about your health condition. This
way, you can be more confident that you are doing what you can to help
yourself.
You might want to find and join
A sleep apnea
support group. People suffering from sleep apnea can feel like they are alone
in their suffering. While your family and friends may offer support, they might
not truly understand what you are expriencing. It's important to look for a
group who can support you specifically for this disorder. If you are not comfortable
with a group in your area, you can join one of many sleep apnea groups online.
Eat a nutritious and healthy diet
And beware
going to bed overly hungry, full or caffeinated. In any of these instances,
your body will not be performing at an optimum level. The chances of you then
having sleep issues raises significantly. If you must eat something, reach for
a banana. Studies have shown that bananas actually help being on a deep sleep.
Sleep apnea
can cause Many problems beyond just the inability to get a good night's sleep.
If you let your condition go untreated, it may get worse over time. Getting
enough sleep is crucial to your overall level of health, so start using the
tips you have read in this article right away to find relief.
No comments:
Post a Comment