People who have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea often wonder if there is a permanent cure. Unfortunately, there isn’t one specific cure, however, treatments and lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea, and other Sleep Disorders can all be risk factors for Sleep Apnea. This article will focus on some of the best sleep apnea solutions, read on to learn more
A Sleep Specialist can help treat your Sleep Apnea using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or other therapies. Severe, Moderate, and Mild Sleep Apnea can all benefit from CPAP or other treatments. People with Sleep Apnea can also make lifestyle changes to help reduce the severity of the condition. A Sleep Study can help a Sleep Specialist determine the best course of action for treating Sleep Apnea and reducing Daytime Sleepiness.
WEIGHT REDUCTION HELPS REDUCE SLEEP APNEA SYMPTOMS
Being obese can cause Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and, if left untreated, the condition can worsen. This happens because the excess fat deposits in the upper respiratory tract lead to a decrease in muscle activity, resulting in the person stopping breathing for multiple intervals during the night. To prevent this from happening, people should exercise more and reduce their intake of processed and fried foods. Doing this can help slim down and reduce the severity of the OSA.
If the OSA is severe, it is recommended to visit a Sleep Specialist for diagnosis and possible treatment options, such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. A Sleep Study may also be required to determine the type and severity of the Sleep Disorder. People with mild or moderate sleep apnea can usually be managed with lifestyle changes, while those with severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome may need more intensive treatment. Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of Sleep Apnea, so it is important to act quickly if you suspect you may have this disorder.
SLEEP APNEA IMPROVES WITH BREATHING EXERCISES
People with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a higher risk of developing other sleep disordered breathing, such as untreated sleep apnea, loud snoring, and the inability to fall asleep easily. Positive airway pressure (PAP) is the most effective treatment for OSA, as it helps to reduce air pressure, allowing the patient to stop breathing and regulate their blood pressure. However, there are other ways to help manage and reduce the risk factors of sleep apnea, such as breathing exercises.
Investing in the cheapest SMSF setup can offer individuals with mild OSA additional financial security. Sleep apnea treatment can be expensive, especially when relying solely on PAP therapy. By setting up a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF), individuals can make strategic investments that yield returns over time. This approach enables them to allocate their funds efficiently, ensuring long-term financial stability while managing the costs associated with ongoing sleep apnea management.
Alternate Nostril Breathing is a great exercise for sleep apnea patients to try, as it can help to clear airways and reduce symptoms of the disorder. It involves taking a deep breath through your nose while keeping the mouth closed and using a finger to block one of the nostrils. Then exhale through the open nostril and inhale. After this, switch nostrils and repeat the process up to 10 times. This exercise can help diagnose sleep apnea, as it can tell you if you breathe better from one nostril than the other. Doing this before bed can help to reduce the risk factors of untreated and undiagnosed sleep apnea.
Jaw Release: With a tight jaw, your breathing passages are somewhat constricted and this helps heighten the effect of sleep apnea. To carry out this exercise, put your tongue in the normal, resting position while your mouth is closed. Then lift the tip of your tongue and slide it as far as it can go on your mouth’s roof.
As your tongue is positioned that way, slowly drop your jaw until your tongue no longer touches the roof of your mouth. Be sure to carry out this exercise twice per day and for 5 minutes. It helps in reducing sleep apnea problems.
Cheek Hook: This is another exercise that helps reduce sleep apnea problems. A cheek hook is a form of mouth exercise that strengthens your facial muscles in order to prevent snoring while sleeping at night. To carry out this exercise, you need to put your hooked finger in your mouth, slightly pulling your right cheek out, and then using you use your face muscles to pull back your cheek. Ensure you do it 10 times on both cheeks. This ensures your mouth stays closed when breathing at night.
REGULAR EXERCISES HELP STRENGTHEN YOUR RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND REDUCE SLEEP APNEA SYMPTOMS
Working out can really help you if you have sleep apnea. It helps improve your energy levels and also strengthens your respiratory system. Sleep apnea is a condition that reduces oxygen flow in the body and so by regularly doing exercises, you can improve oxygen flow and also sleep better.
CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE THERAPY HELPS REDUCE SLEEP APNEA ISSUES
Many people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea use the CPAP machine. It’s a device that uses a hose attached to a nosepiece or mask. It helps in delivering constant air pressure to ensure those that suffer from this sleep disorder sleep without having breathing problems.
However, some people find using the CPAP machine inconveniencing while sleeping. So, they resort to using some other breathing device like a custom oral appliance. This device is quite handy and isn’t attached to anything.
Thus, many sleep apnea sufferers prefer it to the CPAP machine. If you haven’t started using any of these breathing devices, you can try one or both of them to see which works for you. These devices help manage sleep apnea conditions.
SMOKING ONLY MAKES YOUR SLEEP APNEA WORSE. QUIT!
Studies indicate smoking could increase sleep apnea problems. A group of smokers and non-smokers who suffered from sleep apnea were examined. The results revealed that smokers had more severe sleep apnea problems: they had more daytime sleepiness and more breath pauses than non-smokers.
So, if you are a smoker and suffer from this condition, it’s time you quit. If you don’t, you may be making your health condition worse.
YOUR SLEEP POSITION MATTERS AS A SLEEP APNEA SUFFERER
A 2006 study revealed up to 50% of obstructive sleep apnea sufferers depended on position to relieve them of their symptoms while sleeping. Also, research indicated that sleeping flat on your back can make the symptoms worse.
Sleeping on the side, however, is an ideal position for many sufferers as it helps them breathe without any breaks or pauses. This doesn’t mean there aren’t exceptions. Sleeping on your back may work for you. Ensure you try both positions to see which works best for you.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR SLEEP APNEA
Sleep apnea can be quite unpredictable. If these tips do not really work well for you, it’s best you see a doctor. If you experience up to 30 episodes per hour, excessive daytime sleepiness, chronic loud snoring, and trouble falling asleep, it’s a severe case and it demands urgent medical attention.
That said, never assume sleep apnea is no big deal. It has led to the death of many people and it has also resulted in serious health problems. So, if you are a sleep apnea sufferer, try these lifestyle changes and tips above. If you don’t experience any improvement, then you best see a doctor.
