If a member of your family or you yourself have recently received a sleep apnea diagnosis, you may be suffering from a lack of information on potential treatments for the condition. Are you aware of just what choice best suits the particular situation? This article has some insightful suggestions to help you understand sleep apnea.
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.
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.
If you have tried a number of less drastic sleep apnea treatment options, you might want to consider discussing surgical treatment options for the condition with your primary care physician. Sleep apnea treatment surgery often involves increasing the diameter of your airway in an effort to reduce the number of apnea episodes that you experience.
Make a sleep schedule and keep to it. By sleeping at regular intervals and times, your body gets used to a pattern and takes advantage of it. If you are not getting quality sleep on a regular basis, your sleep apnea may worsen. Make sure to go to bed at a similar time every day and try to sleep a fixed amount of hours.
Do not sleep on your back if you have sleep apnea. Sleeping on your back raises the risk of a blocked airway, experienced by many sufferers. Use cushions or pillows to prop yourself up on your side while you sleep.
The most important aspect of dealing with sleep apnea is understanding exactly what it is. Unlike simple snoring, it is when a sleeper stop’s breathing for a short period of time while he is sleeping. If your sleep partner tells you that sometimes you stop breathing, there is a good chance you have apnea.
If simple changes in your lifestyle, such as regular sleep hours and losing weight, have not eliminated your sleep apnea episodes, it is time to consult with a sleep specialist. The specific causes of your sleep apnea can be evaluated, and an individual treatment plan can be designed for you.
While it is common sense to avoid some things before sleeping, like caffeine, many people load up their plates and then go to bed. This is not healthy in general and can worsen sleeping issues like apnea. Avoid eating any heavy meals before going to bed and you will find yourself sleeping better.
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.
Try to find ways to really tire yourself out before going to bed. This means expending both your mental and physical energy before putting your head on the pillow. Going for a long walk is a great way to calm yourself down and clear your mind while also getting exercise.
Taking steps to cure the condition of insomnia can lead to a significant reduction in sleep apnea episodes. Insomnia is a major cause of sleep apnea and when sufferers begin to get regular and restful sleep, the sleep apnea often disappears. Set a regular bedtime and make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet.
Be sure to see your doctor to participate in a sleep test if you suspect you may have sleep apnea. A sleep study will diagnose the source of the problem so that you can get the right treatment for it. After this you’ll need to look at treatment options, even for a mild form of sleep apnea.
Cut down on alcohol use. When you drink, the alcohol relaxes the muscles in your throat, making it easier for them to obstruct your airway and “collapse.” Don’t have alcohol within 4 or 5 hours before going to sleep to avoid this, if you want to continue to drink at all.
Check with your doctor about any medications that you are taking that may be causing your sleep apnea symptoms. Some prescription medications, such as muscle relaxers, may, in fact, promote the collapse of the soft tissue in the back of the throat which can contribute to the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Even after you receive a diagnosis of sleep apnea, regularly consult your physician. This way you can talk to them about your progress. Anytime you want to try a newer treatment method, consult your physician beforehand to be sure it is safe and appropriate. Also meet up with them afterward to review effectiveness.
If you believe you may have sleep apnea, then make sure you visit your doctor to obtain an official diagnosis on the matter. A proper diagnosis is critical. Give your doctor all of your symptoms so he can properly diagnose you.
Use a CPAP machine. You may not like the idea of sleeping in a machine, but many people who use a CPAP have found relief of their sleep apnea symptoms in a very short time. Such a machine may be uncomfortable at first, but if you stick with it, you will find a great deal of relief.
Because allergy symptoms can increase apnea episodes, discuss your allergies with your doctor to find the safest ways to treat them. Certain antihistamines should probably be avoided, as they may lead to your airways becoming too relaxed. For this reason, follow your doctor’s advice regarding medications that are safe for your condition.
Knowledge is power. The more informed you are the easier it becomes to find an answer. A great amount of information is available on this subject, but the tips provided here will help you discover your answers with speed and ease.