Although specific requirements may vary, everybody needs a good night’s sleep! If you face the problems posed by sleep apnea, you know you’re not getting the quality sleep you need to face each day. Check out the following tips that may help you fight sleep apnea and finally get a decent 8 hours of sound and healthy sleep.
Learn how to play a wind instrument. Studies have found that playing a wind instrument like the flute or the didgeridoo can help with sleep apnea. Wind instruments exercise your breathing and help your body get accustomed to taking in sufficient amounts of air. Your throat will be able to better control airway dilation.
Understand the effects that smoking and drinking alcohol have on sleep apnea, if you are trying to get a grip on your quality of sleep. Smoking enlarges airways, while alcohol can relax them too much, both of which will contribute to the symptoms of sleep apnea severely. Consider making the necessary cut-backs that will cut down on your sleep problems.
Clear up your nasal passage before heading to bed. If you suffer from sleep apnea and have problems with a “stuffed up” nose, using a nasal spray or device can help clear your nasal airway. This is not a permanent solution, but one you can use when your apnea symptoms are the worst.
Look for other sleeping aids besides sleeping pills. Sleeping pills can make your throat muscles relax in an undesirable way. Pills also can affect sleep apnea sufferers in several different ways. Speak with your health professional about something that can help you sleep without harming your breathing patterns.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Getting buzzed or drunk causes your airways to relax too much. If someone goes to sleep in a drunk state, you can hear the effects from their deep snoring. In someone who already suffers from sleep apnea, it can be very dangerous. Avoid alcoholic drinks to sleep safer.
Treat any sinus or allergy problems you might have if you do have sleep apnea. Having sleep apnea means you already struggle to breathe during the night. You don’t need to deal with anything that will affect your breathing when you sleep. You can get a much better night’s sleep if your treat your allergies or sinus problems and keep your breathing clearer.
Sleep apnea can be a serious problem and it needs to be treated. Different treatment options work well for some people, but not others. Getting to a lower weight can cut back on symptoms in a lot of sufferers, but even slender folks can be afflicted. One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea are CPAP machines, which force air into the lungs while you sleep. For others, surgical techniques to remove airway obstructions may provide the most effective relief. It doesn’t matter which treatment you get, as long as it is effective for you and helps you find the quality of life you are missing.
If you find that your CPAP machine is too drying, your physician can prescribe a humidifier for your mask. Moist, warm air can be an effective way to make sure that you use your CPAP machine by making it more comfortable. Many of these machines now include humidifiers, and your doctor can probably prescribe one for you.
New apnea patients who are being fitted for CPAP equipment should insist on trying out several mask options. It is customary for the DME providers (Durable Medical Equipment) to show up at your door with a CPAP machine and a basic mask. Truth be told, there are many different styles of masks, and finding the best style for you dramatically improves your compliance with the CPAP therapy. Take the upper hand and insist that they show you a variety of masks, even if you have to go into their showroom. Like so many health issues, knowledge is the key. You will get better service and far more relief by knowing your options and speaking your mind.
If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP when you sleep at night, do not neglect your filters. It can be easy to forget about this, but you need to make sure your machine operates at maximum efficiency. Wash your reusable filter at least every week, and replace your white pollen filter at least once a month.
If you have sleep apnea and have been using your current CPAP machine for five years or more, see if it is time to get it replaced. 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.
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.
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 actually want to cure your sleep apnea.
If you have think you might have sleep apnea or already suffer from snoring, try to use some over the counter nasal strips. These small strips attach to your nose with adhesive, lifting open your nasal passages. If your sleep apnea is related to a nasal obstruction, the strips may improve the quality of your sleep.
Nobody likes to be grumpy, but sleep deprivation will make you miserable. Take what steps you can to alleviate the symptoms of your sleep apnea, so that you can achieve a higher quality of sleep and start being a more productive and positive person during the day. You deserve it!