It is not enough to simply be aware of your sleep apnea. If you suffer from this affliction, you need to be proactive. Having an effective strategy to combat sleep apnea is a good first step. This article will show you some options that may help your condition.

Regular practice on a wind instrument can minimize some of your sleep apnea symptoms. Research in Germany has shown that playing an instrument called the didgeridoo can train the muscles in your upper airways and strengthen them. It helps to strengthen the muscles in the throat, which collapse during sleep apnea episodes. Due to this, regular play can translate into good sleep at night.

Avoid relying on sleeping pills. Sleeping pills cause your throat muscles to relax, just like alcohol. There are also a myriad of other problems that can arise with the use of sleeping pills. Consult with your doctor about what you should take besides sleeping pills.

Try to avoid sleeping at high altitudes. High altitudes can worsen sleep apnea. The air in high altitudes is much thinner and, consequently, more difficult to breathe. Sleep apnea is already causing your body to take in less oxygen at night. A high altitude environment can only exacerbate your condition.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol. Alcoholic beverages will relax the muscles in your throat, which makes it more likely that they will block your airway during your sleep. At the very least, avoid any alcoholic beverages in the evening before you get ready for bed.

Learn to play a wind instrument. It exercises your throat muscles and strengthens your lungs while stimulating your mind and providing relaxation. Training these muscles will strengthen them and may help you to control them while you sleep and thus lessen your sleep apnea symptoms.

If you have sleep apnea, and your CPAP does not seem to be working out for you, consider alternate types of machines. You may be a person who needs the air pressure to change throughout the night as you sleep. Your doctor can prescribe a machine that uses different technologies to deliver air, such as an APAP, a BiPAP, or a machine equipped with C-FLEX. Each of these adjusts the pressure up and down as you sleep, which can make it more comfortable and effective for you.

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.

Reduce your weight to combat sleep apnea. Increased weight is often a cause of sleep apnea because the increased weight causes the airways to be narrower, thus allowing them to collapse more easily during sleep. By dropping your weight you can reduce the compression the airways and minimize issues while sleeping.

At bedtime, elevate your head using pillows. This will allow your airways to remain open as you sleep, and will reduce sleep apnea. Just make sure that your neck and back are comfortable so that you are not causing any pain in these areas while you are trying to help your sleep apnea.

Taking the time to exercise your jaw and stick out your tongue may seem like children’s play. In a recent scientific study, people who performed jaw and tongue exercises daily were able to relieve some of their sleep apnea symptoms. It may not work for everyone, but could be worth a try for a good night’s rest.

Now that you are aware of different options you have concerning sleep apnea, use them! Search for the best ones for your situation and you’ll soon start sleeping better. Once you have a better night’s sleep, you’ll have a better quality of life.