If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be in a state of confusion. Not knowing what to do is the hardest part about dealing with any affliction. If you’re looking for information, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for some of the best tips for dealing with sleep apnea.
Getting a CPAP machine is probably the best option for your sleep apnea. These machines will keep your airways open and help you breathe. You should talk to your doctor about CPAP machines and figure out which model would be the most adapted. This machine should work if you use it properly.
You really need to do your best to lose weight if you have sleep apnea. Those who have sleep apnea typically have a neck circumference of 17 inches or more. This excess weight around the throat causes the airway to collapse more easily during sleep. Reducing your weight by even ten pounds can have a beneficial impact on your sleep apnea.
If you have just been diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP, join a CPAP support group. It can be quite difficult to get used to sleeping with a mask on your face every night. Sitting in a room full of other people going through the same thing can be very empowering. You can learn from others who have had the same issues you are having and made adjustments to make it work.
If you are taking a great deal of medicines on a regular basis, sit with your doctor and discuss how they can be reduced. Side effects from prescription medication can be making your sleep apnea worse. Keep a dialog open with your doctor and make sure he is up to date on all your symptoms.
Sleep on your side as much as possible. Some sleep apnea patients lay on their backs. If you sleep on your back, your airway may become blocked when mouth tissues slide back. Instead, you should sleep on your side and that can help your breathe much better. Use pillows to force yourself to sleep sideways if you have a problem with rolling over once you are asleep.
Make sure you have something with you at all times that explains that you suffer from sleep apnea and you use a CPAP. You don’t need people questioning you and your device all the time, so it makes it easier when you bring your medical ID. The information on the card should mention your sleep anea and include the full details of the treatment you regularly use.
Eliminate or reduce your alcohol consumption to reduce your sleep apnea episodes. The relaxation that results from alcohol use can cause you to breathe less deeply and may also increase the likelihood that your upper airway will collapse. If you can’t refrain altogether from alcohol, make sure that you don’t drink for at least 3 hours before bedtime.
Consider an alternative sleep apnea flower remedy therapy (also known as essence therapy). Vervain is used in this treatment for its calming and relaxing effects. This can help treat your symptoms, including insomnia problems associated with your apnea. As an added bonus, it also helps reduce overall stress and lower high blood pressure.
You should adopt a healthy lifestyle and monitor your weight and blood pressure. Your doctor should be able to advise you on your diet and perhaps on a fitness program if you need to be more active. Living a healthy life should really help you reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, you can see that there are things you can do about your sleep apnea. You don’t have to simply accept it. Use what you’ve just learned to get a handle on this problem. You deserve to get the sleep that you need.
