The effects of sleep apnea can range from minor discomfort and inconvenience to life-threatening complications. Anyone who is faced with this condition should do whatever is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of its causes and possible treatments. Carefully review the article that follows, and you will be equipped to find a treatment that works for you or your loved ones.
Try losing some weight. Getting into shape has many benefits. If you are on the heavier side and suffering from sleep apnea, you may find that slimming down helps with that as well. Studies have found that overweight and obese individuals are more likely to find relief from sleep apnea by getting themselves to a healthier weight.
In order to assist you with sleep apnea, you must talk to your doctor about what CPAP machines to use. The machine size and how loud it is are things you should think about. Some machines can be quite small and be very quiet. Your physician will be able to guide you to good CPAP manufacturers.
Adjust your CPAP machine. Most machines come with default settings that might not correspond to your needs. You should be able to regulate the airflow: try different settings and choose one that seems to work for you. If you feel like your machine is not working like it should, try changing the settings again.
Do not take sleeping pills if you suffer from sleep apnea. These pills are not recommended if you suffer from this condition because they relax the muscles of your throat. Skipping them can actually help you get a better night of sleep because your apnea symptoms are not aggravated.
Going to bed on your side can be something you can do to help you get better rest if you have sleep apnea. Sleeping on your back can obstruct your airways and cause apnea. Try sleeping on your side at night and determine if that helps you breathe a bit easier.
Sleeping by yourself can keep you from knowing if you have the symptoms of sleep apnea. A video recorder can help you discover whether you are sleeping well or struggling. The video needs audio too so that the doctors can hear the noises you make.
Take your CPAP device with you when you are going to the hospital. If the hospitalization was planned or for an emergency, you should still be sure that your CPAP and your mask are brought with you to be used while you’re there. Since the settings are already set to what you’re used to, and the mask that you use each night is there, it makes it much easier to use at the hospital. Doing so will make your hospitalization easier because you can continue to do your CPAP therapy.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is essential that you stop smoking immediately. People who smoke are 3 times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than non smokers or those who have quit smoking. There are many wonderful programs that can help you kick the habit.
On easy way to help limit your sleep apnea is to stick to regular sleeping hours. When you stick to a sleep schedule that is steady and consistent, you will be more relaxed and sleep much better. Apnea episode frequency will be greatly reduced if you can get plenty of sleep every night.
Anyone who suffers from sleep apnea should avoid using sleeping pills. It can be tempting to try to use them to help you sleep better, but these pills can relax your throat muscles and make your sleep apnea worse. They also have a number of other side effects that can be unpleasant.
Avoid any type of drugs or alcohol if you are experiencing any type of sleep apnea. Drugs and alcohol will slow down your respiratory system, and that is known to be one of the causes of sleep apnea. If you are struggling with this issue, try to get some professional help to overcome these addictions.
Sleeping face-up can worsen sleep apnea symptoms, so make an effort to face sideways when sleeping. Some people sew a tennis ball or other lumpy object into their pajamas to keep from rolling on their back. This forces you to lay on your side since it makes it tough to lay on your back.
Oftentimes a simple humidifier can help with the dryness and irritation caused by using a CPAP machine when treating your sleep apnea. With the constant airflow, many people suffer from dry skin and irritation from using the CPAP machine. A humidifier or special facial moisturizers can help to ease these symptoms.
Don’t sleep on your back. It can restrict your airway and make it hard to breathe. Pillows may assist you in side sleeping.
There are several tools available to open up nasal passages that work to varying degrees. You should try several of these to see if any of them 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.
Make sure you don’t back sleep if you suffer from sleep apnea. If you sleep on your back, the likelihood that your airways will constrict during the night increases dramatically. Sleeping on your side can help you prevent sleep apnea; gravity won’t work against you.
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.
Because of its potentially very serious impact on the lives of sufferers, sleep apnea is a topic of great concern for many. Those confronted with this condition are wise to research the topic thoroughly before selecting a treatment strategy. By paying close attention to the information contained above, you have the power to find the methods best able to alleviate the symptoms plaguing you or someone you love.