If you are unable to sleep well because of sleep apnea, you must take steps to get the problem under control. Going through life on too little sleep is detrimental and even dangerous. The following information will help you get a good night’s sleep even if you have sleep apnea.
When using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine, you should learn as much as you can about it. How to use the machine and when to use it should be your top priority. There are 800 numbers from the manufacturers that you can call if you have any questions about its use.
Improve your sleep apnea by slimming down a bit. Recent research showed dramatic improvements in overweight men who shed 25 pounds over a period of one year to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. In some cases, the weight loss resulted in a cure of sleep apnea where no further treatment of the condition was necessary.
Consider using a mouth guard when you sleep. If your jaw is improperly aligned, this could lead to issues with sleep apnea. The alignment of your jaw has a lot to do with whether or not you are getting sufficient airflow. Being fitted for a mouth guard can help your breathe while it’s correcting the problem.
If you have sleep apnea and were just prescribed a CPAP, keep trying different masks until you find the one that fits you just right. Some masks may not be the right size or shape for your face. If your CPAP mask is leaking air into your eyes all night or rubbing the skin on your forehead raw, ask your sleep center to prescribe a different mask for you.
Make a sleep schedule and keep to it. By sleeping at regular intervals and times, your body gets used to a pattern and takes advantage of it. If you are not getting quality sleep on a regular basis, your sleep apnea may worsen. Make sure to go to bed at a similar time every day and try to sleep a fixed amount of hours.
If you are having issues with your nose, you can use nasal spray. This will help to clear your airways temporarily. Remember that nasal sprays should only be used on a temporary basis to avoid nasal damage and irritation. Visit your pharmacy to see what your options are for keeping your nasal passages open as you sleep.
A proven tip to reducing and preventing sleep apnea is to try sleeping on your side. You should avoid sleeping with your face up on your back. Gravity will cause the tongue and tissues in your neck fall back and block your airways. So sleep on your side for a better nights sleep.
If you have sleep apnea you should not smoke. Swelling of the airways occurs when one smokes; this makes sleep apnea worse. To quit smoking, try a smoking cessation program or use nicotine replacement therapy. The first month is pretty tough for most people, but it gets better. Over time, you’ll find you need and/or want nicotine less.
When you get your sleep apnea diagnosis and the doctor gives you a CPAP machine, be determined to stick with CPAP therapy. It can be a real adjustment getting used to sleeping with a mask on your face every night. However, your life and health depend on it. So tell yourself this is not optional, and set your mind on making it work.
It is very important to get enough sleep, do what you can to make sure you get it. Use these suggestions to help you develop a plan for getting the restful sleep that you need to be your best.
