Don't Let Sleep Apnea Keep You Up At Night

A lot of people think that everyone feels as tired as they do when they get up in the morning. Sleep apnea, a disorder from which many people suffer, is severely underdiagnosed. Learn what you need to know about sleep apnea in the following article.

Try losing a few pounds, if you suffer from chronic sleep apnea. Controlled studies have proven that people with this sleep disturbance benefit greatly after losing 20 or more pounds. Symptoms may even diminish completely, so you now have yet another reason to get your weight down to a healthier number!

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.

Get a CPAP mask that fits your face perfectly. If the mask that comes with your CPAP machine is too narrow or too loose, you will probably experience discomfort when you sleep and the machine might not work properly. Get a customized mask if you need to: the expense will be worth it.

Go to the doctor to get a mouth guard that is custom made. Mouth guards help keep your jaw in a proper position. It's a good way to get around having to use a CPAP machine, and feels better to wear throughout the night. The guard assists in opening up your airways and stabilizing the soft tissues.

Did you know that sleep apnea is more than just snoring? Your breathing may actually stop, or it may become very shallow, and this could happen upwards of a hundred times or more each night. If you feel you may be suffering from this affliction, you should see a doctor and be properly diagnosed and discuss a treatment that works best for you.

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.

Do not take sleeping pills if you suffer from sleep apnea. These pills are not recommended if you suffer from this condition because they relax the muscles of your throat. Skipping them can actually help you get a better night of sleep because your apnea symptoms are not aggravated.

Get a mouth guard made especially for sleep. If you have a recessed chin, overbite or a small jaw, they way your jaw sits while you sleep may be causing the breathing problems while you sleep by narrowing your airways. A mouth guard can correct this and help you sleep better.

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.

You can reduce the risk factors for sleep apnea. There are some factors that are unavoidable. These can include being male or family genetics. But others, such as weight smoking and drinking, can be controlled.

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.

Doctor

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.

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.

Don't take sleeping pills if you can avoid it. Similar to alcohol, a sleeping pill will relax the muscles in your throat. There can also cause other problems if you are dealing with sleep apnea. Consult with your physician on sleep remedies that won't hinder your breathing.

If you have tried all the self-help ideas and treatments and made changes in your lifestyle, and you still have not had success in helping your sleep apnea, you should consult with a sleep doctor. These doctors can evaluate your condition and work with you to find a treatment that is effective.

Prior to going to bed, it is important to open up your nasal passages. This is so that you get enough air flow. To open up the nasal passages, you may want to use saline spray, a nasal dilator, a neti pot, breathing strips or whatever your doctor may have recommended.

Getting used to a CPAP machine takes some time. If your doctor prescribes this treatment for your sleep apnea, get used to the machine by trying the mask on during the day, gradually wearing it for longer periods each time. This allows you to get comfortable with the machine, so you will be able to sleep with it.

If you, or someone you know, has been plagued with being tired for months or years, it is time to mention it to a health care provider. It may be time to receive a diagnosis, and attempt to remedy it. Share your information with people you know, and if you have the condition, speak to your doctor about the tips here.

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