Tips That Will Help Sleep Apnea Sufferers

Tips That Will Help Sleep Apnea Sufferers

If you are plagued each night with trouble sleeping, sleep apnea could be the culprit. This is an extremely common condition, and dealing with its symptoms is no picnic. Thankfully, there are many ways to cope with it. The following advice will assist you in dealing with sleep apnea. Avoid alcohol if you have sleep apnea. Alcohol causes your muscles to relax. You might like the feeling, but it can contribute to or cause sleep apnea. Alcohol relaxes throat muscles and can make it difficult to keep the air passage open. Reduce the frequency of your alcohol if you do continue to use it, and never drink close to bedtime. Quit smoking and drinking. These habits can cause your throat muscles to relax or swell, increasing sleep apnea. Quitting these habits may help you avoid costly and invasive surgery in the future. Sleep apnea is very serious. If you see any signs, go get yourself an opinion right away. After the diagnosis, you may be asked to take a sleep test, either at home or at a facility that specializes in sleep disorder testing. Some people give up using the CPAP machine they have been prescribed and this is not a good move. Use it for at least four hours each night, until you become used to it in full. Sleeping while using a CPAP can be difficult to adjust to at first, but it is not impossible. Keep in mind your CPAP device should be used at least four hours per night for it to help you. Just use it as much as possible and you'll get used to using it after a couple of weeks. If you are lacking someone to sleep next to you it might be hard to tell if you suffer from sleep apnea. One way to see for yourself is to train a camcorder on yourself as you sleep. Whatever video system you set up also need an audio component, since your physicians are going to need to hear the sounds you make. Don't drink alcohol to excess. When drinking alcoholic beverages, it will relax your muscles. Although many people desire this side-effect of alcohol, it is not beneficial to people with sleep apnea. Alcohol has an effect on throat muscles and it can hurt your body. If you feel you must drink, try not to do it as often or before you go to sleep. People who have sleep apnea should establish a sleeping schedule. Sleep apnea causes regular interruptions in your ordinary nightly sleep cycle. Do what you can to establish a regular pattern to improve your health and feel less tired. Go to sleep and wake up each day on a regular schedule and this schedule should be used on the weekends, too. Sleep on your side, as it can help lessen your sleep apnea symptoms. Your air passages are more likely to suffer obstruction when you sleep on your back. Give sleeping on your side a try, and see if your symptoms improve. If you suffer from sleep apnea and are traveling, remember to bring the CPAP machine along. You should never sleep without using your CPAP machine. A convenience travel pouch is usually included with purchase. Use it to bring your CPAP machine with you, no matter where you are sleeping.

Chin Strap

Treat your allergies or other sinus problems when dealing with sleep apnea. You already find it hard to breathe during the night because of your symptoms. You don't need to deal with anything that will affect your breathing when you sleep. By treating your allergies or sinus problems, you will be more likely to get a full night's rest and have energy for the day. If you're a sleep apnea sufferer and your mouth always opens as you sleep because of your CPAP, you may want to wear a chin strap. The chin strap holds your chin so that you cannot sleep with your mouth open; it is a tiny piece of fabric. It is worth trying this simple fix, because CPAP therapy is ineffective if your mouth falls open while wearing the mask. Stick to one regular pillow for sleeping on at night. Puffy pillows, or using too many pillows, can put you in a position that interferes with your breathing. As a result, you may find it more difficult to breathe normally. One standard pillow is all you need to avoid having this happen. If you have a CPAP machine, carry your medical ID. If you need medical attention, it's crucial that others realize that you've got sleep apnea and that you use a CPAP. Your ID should include your use of CPAP and the pressure level at which your CPAP must be set. Try and lose weight because it will help you deal with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is more common in patients who are overweight and have a large neck circumference. If you lose that weight, the pressure on your air passage will be lessened, which will improve the quality of your breathing. If you are requiring a hospital visit, don't leave the CPAP machine behind. Your CPAP and your mask should be with you for both planned stays and trips to an emergency room. You will your mask you're used to, and the pressure will be set right. These things will make it much easier to continue your CPAP therapy while you are hospitalized. While you should always see your doctor to be diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are self-help options you could try. Dropping weight or dropping cigarettes are good ideas; more so for victims of sleep apnea. Coffee, caffeine and alcohol should also be avoided before bed.

Sleep Apnea

Avoid back sleeping when you have sleep apnea. Most sleep apnea patients spend the night on their backs and that can interfere with the airways. Prop yourself up on your side with a pillow or cushions. Get rid of as many sleep apnea factors as possible. Some of the risk factors associated with sleep apnea cannot be changed such as being born a male or having it run it the family. On the other hand, you can influence risk factors like your weight, smoking and drinking. Your sleep apnea will not just go away by itself without treatment. A variety of underlying medical conditions can contribute to sleep apnea. Obesity, asthma and allergies can all contribute to sleeping problems. Although surgery may be required to relieve your sleep apnea, many non-surgical options are available. Others prefer surgery so that they can treat airway restrictions. Whichever route you choose should provide treatment that makes you happy. Now you know that there are many ways to deal with sleep apnea. Try all of them, and stick with the methods that work for you. Applying what you've learned here is a start to getting the rest you crave. Sleep apnea doesn't need to dictate the direction of your life. You can reduce sleep apnea with exercises to strengthen throat muscles. Sleep apnea is often caused by the tissues in the throat, which can relax and collapse while you sleep. When your muscles are strenghthened they will not block your air passages.