Quick And Simple Tips For Treating Sleep Apnea
Quick And Simple Tips For Treating Sleep Apnea
You may not think your snoring is anything to be concerned about, but it could be a sign of a very serious disorder called sleep apnea. This condition is treatable if you seek the help necessary. Read on to find out if your snoring shows signs of being something more serious than just plain old snoring, and find out what can be done about it.
It may sound silly, but taking up a music instrument may improve your sleep apnea. When subjects in Germany were taught to play the didgeridoo, their sleep apnea symptoms were reduced. The researchers believe that practicing the instrument improved the tone of the muscles in the upper airway, which are responsible for airway dilation.
Some people have problems using the CPAP machine to deal with their sleep apnea. The best advice is to stick with it. It is not a cure, but it does treat your sleep apnea. If you stop using it, you still have sleep apnea, so you need to keep using the machine regularly.
Avoid using sleeping pills and do not be tempted to consume alcohol before bedtime. Both sleeping pills and alcohol are sedatives, which can interfere with your breathing, as they cause your throat muscles to relax. You should also avoid other types of sedatives, including some prescription painkillers and many street drugs.
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.
Exercise your throat. Make faces. Stick out your tongue. Rotate your jaw. It might feel a bit silly, but it can actually help people who suffer from sleep apnea. Doing these things exercises the muscles your body needs to moderate its breathing. Studies have shown that doing these exercises a few times a day can make a huge difference.
Start sleeping on your side. When you sleep on your back and have sleep apnea, your airway gets block by your tongue and throat tissues. To avoid rolling onto your back once you are asleep, try sleeping with pillows cushioning your side. This helps prevent you from turning onto your back.
Try out different things besides pills to help you sleep. Sleeping pills cause your throat muscles to relax, just like alcohol. There can also cause other problems if you are dealing with sleep apnea. Consult your doctor to find a sleep aid that won't impact your breathing.
If you are using a CPAP and experience an issue with your mouth opening during sleep, a chin strap can help. The chin strap is a fabric strap that supports your chin to keep your mouth shut. If you have your mouth open CPAP therapy isn't going to work, so give this device a try to find out if it works.
As you have seen from the above article, sleep apnea can be very serious, but it is treatable. Arm yourself with the above information, and take control over this problem. Once you know the steps you can take, you are on your way to a more restful night of sleep, and will be healthier for it.