Get Great Sleep Apnea Tips In This Article

Get Great Sleep Apnea Tips In This Article

Too many people don't sleep enough, but they don't think that a sleep disorder could be the culprit. Sleep apnea can be one of these disorders and is caused by the airway being blocked while sleeping. This article can help you find out whether you suffer from this problem. While people who are thin can have sleep apnea for various reasons, one common reason many people have it is being overweight. If this happens to be the problem then anyone dealing with sleep apnea should immediately shed this weight. Diet and exercise can do wonders to treat this condition. According to recent scientific work, many people looking to lose weight can also benefit from reducing their intake of carbohydrates. You may be able to address your sleep apnea by simply changing from back sleeping to side sleeping. Back sleeping promotes airway obstruction. Make a conscious effort to fall asleep on your side, and that will probably reduce some of the symptoms caused by your sleep apnea. Shedding some excess pounds is a good idea if you're overweight. It is widely known that being overweight is the cause of sleep apnea for some people. So, you can actually find substantial relief from your symptoms just from shedding even twenty or thirty pounds. It is hard to know whether or not you are having difficulty breathing at night if you sleep alone. Try setting up a video camcorder to record yourself while you are sleeping at night. Remember to make a video with sound so your doctor can hear you snore! Don't take sleeping pills if you can avoid it. Sleeping pills cause your throat muscles to relax, just like alcohol. In addition, sleeping pills can contribute to many problems associated with sleep apnea. Consult your physician to find out about possible ways to get to sleep to faster that won't react poorly with your sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is usually diagnosed after a thorough medical examination. There are hundreds of studies that show sleep apnea has effected many families together, and this might be something that you cannot escape. Keeping a sleep ledger can help your doctor monitor your sleep apnea. You will need to make note of how many hours of sleep you get each night, and anything else notable. The person you sleep next to can alert you to your snoring, if you stop breathing or you move your limbs suddenly. This can help your doctor figure out if you've got sleep apnea or if you don't. When you travel, be sure to bring your CPAP on the trip. The effectiveness of the CPAP depends on nightly use, and if you have sleep apnea, it is essential to not miss even one night. A convenience travel pouch is usually included with purchase. You should be able to use this to carry your CPAP machine with you no matter where you go. Bring your CPAP along with you if you're going to the hospital. If you are scheduled for hospitalization or if you go to emergency, you should make available your CPAP machine and mask. The settings will be prepared and you won't have to adjust the pressure. This will make your stay a little more comfortable. Losing weight is a simple and proven effective method of decreasing your chances of suffering from sleep apnea. Lots of people have found they can eliminate their sleep apnea by dropping all their excess fat. Even a few pounds can help your sleep apnea symptoms. Sleep apnea symptoms can be worse if you also have allergies or other sinus related issues. It's already hard for you to breathe when you sleep due to your condition. You do not need anything else reducing your ability to get air while you sleep. It is important to keep your airways open and free from mucous and debris. Only sleep with a single pillow of standard size. An over-sized pillow, or a pile of multiple pillows, can alter your sleep position with negative impacts on your ability to breathe freely. This causes you to lie in a way where breathing is more difficult. Use a single pillow for maximum relief from your sleep apnea. If your current treatment options are not cutting it, speak to a doctor about additional techniques that may be suitable. A small percentage of patients don't react to the common treatments, and as a result, surgery may be their only option, which includes enlarging the airway or removing the tonsils. Having your sleep apnea diagnosed by your physician is important; however, some options for self-help may be beneficial to you. Losing weight and stopping smoking are always good, but are especially so for those who suffer from sleep apnea. Also, stay away from large meals, caffeine and alcohol a few hours before going to sleep. Think about using nasal spray if your nasal passages are stopped up. This should help clear any blockages in the airways for a couple of nights. Don't use it over a long duration because it can cause problems. Try other ways of opening this passage. Your sleep position can impact the severity of sleep apnea. Therefore, you need to be careful about the way you sleep. Try taking a foam wedge and using it to raise the top half of your body. An alternative method is to angle your bed so that the head is approximately four inches above the foot.

Risk Factors

It's a good idea to contact your airline if you're planning a long plane trip and will need to make use of a CPAP machine during your flight. The airline company is very accommodating and will designate an area for you and your machine. If you're flying with a non-domestic carrier, make sure you have the appropriate power adapters for your machine. Take what steps you can to reduce the risk factors of sleep apnea you're subject to. 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. Be this as it may, smokers, drinkers and those who are overweight can reduce their risks. Anyone who has sleep apnea, or even just snores, might want to think about picking up an instrument. They can be enjoyable and calming, and it has also been been shown that constantly using them strengthens throat muscles and helps people to breathe more easily when sleeping. Your new talents can help control your airways. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea might want to consider losing weight as a means to relieve the symptoms. If you are overweight it is more common that you might have sleep apnea. Even a modest amount of weight loss can increase air flow and decrease airway pressure. Remember that you might not always catch yourself with sleep apnea every night. If you have experienced symptoms like exhaustion, sleepiness, or falling asleep when you drive, talk to your doctor. It may be the daytime symptoms that you notice that lead you to find out that it is apnea that is causing them. After your diagnosis of sleep apnea, you have to prioritize forming a treatment regimen that is an effective source of relief. You have to get enough sleep to be in, and maintain, good health. The tips from this article can help you enjoy a better night's sleep so you will be healthier and happier. If you have sleep problems, then consult your doctor to find the root of them by getting a comprehensive sleep study. A sleep test will give your doctor the information he needs to diagnose your condition and its severity. Even mild sleep apnea must be treated, so formulating a treatment plan is your next step.