Hints For Coping With Your Obstructive Sleep Apnea

By Author: Melody Gayson
Total Articles: 3
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Do you often have a headache, or feel exhausted and irritable, when you get up? Has anybody told you that you snore? These are definitely hints that you may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause significant health problems if left untreated, so consult your doctor immediately if you suspect you have it.

It may sound silly, but taking up a music instrument may improve your sleep apnea. When subjects in Germany were taught to play the didgeridoo, their sleep apnea symptoms were reduced. The researchers believe that practicing the instrument improved the tone of the muscles in the upper airway, which are responsible for airway dilation.

You should know that using a CPAP machine can cause certain side effects, including snoring, congestion, irritation or dryness in your mouth and airways. If this occurs, you should go to your doctor and make sure you are using your machine properly. Consider using a different mask or a different machine.

Alleviate you sleep apnea by loosing weight. Many studies have demonstrated that sleep apnea can be significantly improved or even eliminated when patients slim down. You ...
... can go to the gym, join exercise classes or just get out and walk. Taking off the extra pounds will help you sleep more soundly.

Get a custom mouth guard. Specially made mouth guards are particularly focused for individuals suffering from sleep apnea. A mouth guard will help keep your airway open and may eliminate the need for a CPAP machine. The soft tissues are given the support that they need to keep the airways open.

Avoid sleeping pills if you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea. These will make your throat muscles too soft, and your air passages will not work right. Avoid them at all costs to prevent yourself from hurting your body any more.

Many doctors ask patients to keep sleep logs to help diagnose sleep apnea. Keep track of how many hours you're sleeping the entire night and any symptoms you have. Your partner can help with that, as they know whether you are a loud snorer or jerk about. This log will assist your doctor in diagnosing your condition.

An excellent way to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea is to prop up your head and body. If you can get your head at least 4 inches off of the mattress or elevate your torso from the waist up, you will reduce your symptoms. Try using a foam wedge or cervical pillow when sleeping to do this.

Sleep apnea should not be ignored; it needs to be treated. Different treatment options work well for some people, but not others. A good way to help with sleep apnea symptoms is by losing weight; but it can also occur in people who are very thin, too. CPAP machines are considered non-invasive, and many people use them successfully. Some actually choose to have surgery done, where airway restrictions are physically removed. Whatever path you choose, having any kind of treatment done is the secret to resuming a full and rich lifestyle.

Yes, sleep apnea may be serious, but luckily it is very treatable. Start by looking at the advice in this post; it can help you with some immediate relief. If they don't help, consult your doctor about alternatives.