So many people end up not sleeping enough each night, but most people are often confused that feeling fatigued each morning may be due to a sleep disorder. Sleep apnea is a disorder that can be the culprit, because it obstructs your airways while you sleep. If you think that sleep apnea affects you, then continue on into this article for more knowledge.
If you are unsure whether or not you have sleep apnea, consider setting up an audio or video recorder next to your bed. When you review the recording, watch or listen for choking, gasping or other signs that you are not getting enough air as you sleep. Present your findings to your doctor if you suspect that you do have apnea.
Regular practice on a wind instrument can minimize some of your sleep apnea symptoms. A German study has shown that playing wind instruments such as the digeridoo will help your sleep apnea. This muscle group manages airway dilation and stiffening. These are great reasons to take up playing this instrument and easing the symptoms of sleep disorders.
Lose the extra weight. Research has shown that losing weight can dramatically improve your sleep apnea symptoms. Losing a few pounds can reduce the amount of pressure on your neck as you sleep, a primary cause of sleep apnea. Some people were even able to completely cure their apnea using this method.
People who do not have a partner sleeping with them may not know they suffer from sleep apnea. If you wake up with a dry or sore mouth, wake up out of breath, have morning headaches, insomnia, and/or go to the bathroom frequently during the night, you may have sleep apnea and should talk to a doctor.
Everyone who snores does not have sleep apnea. Conversely, everyone who has sleep apnea does not necessarily snore either. How do you know the difference? The biggest signs are how you feel during the course of a normal day. Snoring does not interfere with the sleep quality the same way that sleep apnea does. With snoring you are less likely to suffer from fatigue during the day.
Always get enough sleep. When you fail to get a decent amount of sleep on a regular basis or fail to follow a normal sleeping pattern. Insomnia and sleep apnea go hand in hand. So, when you can successfully sleep regularly, your symptoms are less pronounced because you are well rested.
Adding a chin strap to your CPAP routine can help to keep your mouth closed as you sleep. A chin strap is a fabric strip that prevents your chin from falling during the night, which in turn keeps your mouth closed. Try this out to keep your mouth closed.
Do you always sleep on your back? Try sleeping on your side instead. When you sleep on your back with a head propped on a pillow, your airways get narrower. Go to sleep on your side and use cushions to prevent yourself from rolling in your sleep. Your airways should remain open as long as you are on your side.
Don’t forget to bring your CPAP along when you need to stay in the hospital. Whether the stay is for a planned surgery or sudden emergency, make sure you have access to your CPAP for the duration of your stay. It already has your pressure settings dialed in, and your mask is something your used to wearing at night. This lessens the stress of being away from home and enables you to continue the CPAP therapy while at the hospital.
It is important to treat your condition effectively if you find out you have sleep apnea. You have to get enough sleep to be in, and maintain, good health. Use these tips to help you enjoy much better sleep.
