Don't make the mistake many people make
when they assume that it is normal to be tired each day after a full night of
sleep. This is a serious fallacy that leads people to accept major health
issues that need to be addressed. Sleep apnea might be the cause of sleeping
problems and everyone should be aware of it.
Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition to
have. If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, be sure to speak with your doctor
immediately. A specialist in sleep disorders can order the tests necessary to
diagnose the condition.
Try to sleep on your side instead of your
back to breathe easier when you sleep. Sleeping on your back can block your
airway. Try to fall asleep on your side instead and use a pillow if needed. It
may relieve some symptoms.
Maintain a regular sleeping schedule if you
suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes regular interruptions in your
ordinary nightly sleep cycle. Whatever you can try to help minimize the effects
of this condition and help to normalize your sleep patterns can only help you
get better. The biggest parts are going to bed and getting up at the identical
times each and every day.
If you suffer from sleep apnea and have a
problem with your mouth opening while sleeping with your CPAP, a chin strap may
be able to help. This little piece of fabric can work wonders to hold your chin
that your breathing is not interrupted. CPAP devices don't work well when your
mouth is wide open, so this device can help.
Make a sleep schedule and keep to it. By
sleeping at regular intervals and times, your body gets used to a pattern and
takes advantage of it. If you are not getting quality sleep on a regular basis,
your sleep apnea may worsen. Make sure to go to bed at a similar time every day
and try to sleep a fixed amount of hours.
Sleeping at a high altitude can worsen your
sleep apnea because of the lower levels of oxygen. If you are going to a place
located higher than what you are used to, take a CPAP machine with you. The
best thing to do would be to completely avoid high altitude.
It's important to lose weight if you suffer
from sleep apnea and you are overweight. The heavier you are, the harder it is
for air to get down your throat. In fact, some studies suggest that obese
people who suffer from sleep apnea can get rid of the condition by losing
weight.
If you are using a CPAP when dealing with
sleep apnea, get your doctor to prescribe you a heated humidifier. Warm, moist
air will make you more comfortable at night and allow you to sleep well. Try
and get a CPAP machine that has a humidifier built into it; your doctor should
be able to point you in the right direction.
If you consume alcohol or smoke, this could
be the underlying cause of your sleep apnea symptoms. Meanwhile, smoking causes
the swelling of the airways; alcohol does the complete opposite and relaxes
them too much. If you want to be able to sleep well each night, limit or quit
smoking and/or drinking.
If your sleep apnea is caused by
misalignment of your jaw, which results in the narrowing of your airway, you
may benefit from visiting a doctor. A doctor can look at the alignment and
suggest a night mouth guard that will force your airways to stay open while
sleeping by holding your jaw in proper alignment.
One quick tip for trying to get a better
night's sleep is to sleep only on your side and not on your back. If you sleep
with someone else, ask them to gently roll you over any time they see you on
your back. This can help to keep your airflow more controlled.
Now that are more educated about the
subject, you know what to be mindful of in your life in terms of symptoms and
potential treatments. Do not let people try to convince you that being tired is
OK, it is not and you should seek the advice of a doctor.
