Don’t make the same mistake that many people make by assuming that being fatigued every day after a good night’s sleep is normal. This is entirely incorrect. You may have sleep apnea, which can have serious consequences in your life.
If you have persistent sleep apnea, you might think about losing some weight. Controlled studies have shown that those who suffer from this sleep disturbance benefit significantly by losing 20 pounds or more. So you have even more reason to lose weight and get to a more manageable weight!
Inquire with your doctor about a suitable continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for treating your sleep apnea. You must be aware of the machine’s overall size as well as volume. Some gadgets are as small as bread boxes and function at a whisper-quiet level. When it comes to the many CPAP machines on the market, a medical practitioner will be the most knowledgeable resource.
Make any required changes to your CPAP machine. Most computers come with default settings that may or may not be appropriate for your needs. You should experiment with different settings to regulate the airflow until you discover one that looks to work well for you. If you think your system is not working, you should make a second effort to modify the parameters.
Make every effort to avoid consuming cigarettes or anything containing nicotine. Cigarette smoking has been demonstrated to promote enlargement of the upper airway, making it difficult to breathe at night. Consequently, quitting smoking has the potential to significantly lessen your sleep apnea symptoms while also boosting your overall health and sense of well-being.
Consider any alternatives to using sleeping pills that you may be able to discover. Sleeping pills, like alcohol, can cause your throat and airways to relax to an unpleasant degree, making it difficult to breathe. They can also cause extra difficulties, which can cause several issues, especially for people who suffer from sleep apnea. Consider consulting with your doctor about other ways to fall asleep that will not interfere with your apnea.
If you’re going to be in the hospital for an extended period, don’t forget to bring your CPAP with you. You must have your CPAP machine and mask with you at all times while you are receiving therapy. Because your CPAP machine will be adjusted to the pressure recommended by your sleep specialist, you won’t have to get acclimated to a new machine. You are free to use your own CPAP machine. This relieves the stress of being away from home while also allowing you to continue your CPAP therapy while in the hospital.
Sleeping on your side is crucial if you have sleep apnea to prevent exacerbating the disease. Sleeping on your back should be avoided at all costs since it prevents appropriate air from entering your respiratory system. Put a tennis ball in the back of your pajamas to keep yourself from sleeping on your back.
Even though there are several things you may do to aid yourself with sleep apnea, you should not disregard the medical community’s support. When dealing with a severe medical illness such as sleep apnea, it is important to seek the counsel of a doctor and a sleep clinic to avoid developing serious medical complications.
If you’ve tried all of the self-help strategies and therapies, as well as making lifestyle changes, and still haven’t been able to treat your sleep apnea, it’s time to see a sleep doctor. These doctors can evaluate your condition and work with you to create an effective treatment plan.
Don’t drink alcoholic beverages, especially late at night. Most people drink alcohol to unwind, but it also has the added benefit of relaxing the muscles that control your airways. It has been established that sleeping with ultra-relaxed airway muscles exacerbates the symptoms of sleep apnea. Reduce your alcohol usage for the benefit of both your health and your bank account.
It is conceivable that your sleep apnea symptoms are caused by your usage of alcoholic drinks or smoking. Meanwhile, smoking stimulates airway expansion, while alcohol has the opposite effect, causing them to become overly relaxed. If you want to obtain a decent night’s sleep every night, you should limit or eliminate smoking and/or drinking.
Anything that might aggravate your sleep apnea, especially high altitudes, should be avoided. Sleeping at a high altitude, such as on an airplane, may aggravate your symptoms since the amount of oxygen you use increases. If you must travel, speak with your doctor about ways to minimize sleep apnea symptoms while away from home.
If you don’t have a friend who can tell you how you’re breathing at night, you might want to explore videotaping yourself. Set up a camcorder the night before and view it the next morning. If you stop breathing for long periods or snore excessively, the findings will indicate it. Before you begin shooting, make sure you have enough light for the camera. Modern cameras can record adequately in low light, but you will still need some.
In some situations, snoring has been connected to the development of obstructive sleep apnea. To effectively treat sleep apnea, you must detect and treat your snoring symptoms as soon as they appear. Snoring devices can help you stop snoring, and you should also evaluate whether allergies are a component in your snoring. If you have snoring problems, you should address them right once to avoid developing sleep apnea.
Invest in a pillow made exclusively for those who suffer from sleep apnea. These pillows, designed particularly for those who suffer from sleep apnea, will aid those who suffer from it. They will ensure that your head and neck are properly oriented so that your airway stays open while you sleep. Despite being more expensive than standard pillows, they are significantly less expensive than surgery or CPAP equipment, making them a good experiment before committing to more extreme operations.
Do not be hesitant to ask for help from your partner. Your spouse may help you set up your CPAP machine before you go to bed and may even wake you up if you are choking and gasping for air in the middle of the night if you are having difficulty breathing. If your spouse refuses to take on these obligations, you should seek someone who will be there for you when you need them.
You should now be more aware of the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and better prepared to cope with it. Remember that being weary all of the time is not normal, and if you feel you have sleep apnea, see your doctor as soon as possible.