Physicians and sufferers alike are all too familiar with the agony sleep apnea can create. The best way to tackle the problems this condition tends to cause is to educate yourself thoroughly on the topic. The information and advice that follows offers you a great start on the road to increased awareness about the causes and treatments for this frustrating disorder.

Consider doing a few very specific exercises before going to bed each night, to alleviate some of your sleep apnea symptoms. Exercising throat and tongue muscles has been proven in scientific studies to reduce snoring, improve breathing and lessen the more profound effects of sleep apnea when done according to doctor’s orders.

Purchase yourself a mouth guard that is made specifically for your mouth. These are made for people with sleep apnea. They make a good substitute for CPAP machine use, and provide better nighttime comfort. Invest into a mouth guard instead of having a loud machine keep others up at night.

Drink less alcohol and smoke less if you suffer from sleep apnea. Alcoholic beverages cause the upper airway to become overly relaxed, and smoking causes swelling in your airway. So, cutting back or completely giving up both can improve your symptoms or even cure your sleep apnea problem completely.

If you suspect that you have a sleeping disorder, but are unsure, enter a sleep study. They may be able to diagnose your disorder as sleep apnea and make suggestions regarding treatment. Treatments include mouth guards, CPAP, diet changes, and modifications of sleeping habits. You won’t know your options until you speak with someone about it.

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.

Take the steps to find out if you actually have sleep apnea. Those who snore don’t necessarily have the disorder. If you have a sleeping partner, ask them questions about your actions during sleep. Do you stop breathing and gasp for air? That is a sure sign of sleep apnea.

Lose weight to prevent developing sleep apnea. Getting rid of those extra pounds can help you with your sleep apnea. Even a loss of a few pounds has been beneficial in opening the airway.

For people who smoke, the best way to correct a sleep apnea condition is to quit smoking. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of sleep apnea. When people stop smoking their risk of sleep apnea is reduced and they can get a full night sleep within days of quitting.

Find ways to decrease the risk factors of our sleep apnea. Genetic and congenital risks cannot be altered, but lifestyle changes can be made. But many others can be easily avoided, like smoking and drinking.

If you are afflicted with sleep apnea, then you need to give up smoking. Smoking can cause the upper airway to swell, which exacerbates sleep apnea. If you are struggling to quit, join a program, or try using nicotine-replacement therapy, such as patches. The first month is hard, but after that it becomes easier. The strength of the cravings will then decrease as the nicotine begins to leave your system.

Experts and laypeople agree that sleep apnea can be among the most debilitating disorders a person can have. The impact it has on overall health can be quite severe, and sometimes even life threatening. With any luck, the information contained in the preceding article has provided you with the knowledge you need to approach sleep apnea proactively and effectively on behalf of yourself or someone you love.