If sleep apnea afflicts you, you need to be aware that it steals your sleep and wounds your well-being. It is very important that in order to lead a happy and healthy life, you are getting a good amount of quality sleep each night. You have the control to get the proper treatment for sleep apnea. Read on for advice on treating your sleep apnea.
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.
You may not even realize you have sleep apnea. If you have no wife or husband to tell you, you be unaware you stop breathing at night. You can always set up a camcorder to make a video of a typical night’s sleep. Make sure the video has sound as well, so that your doctor can hear your breathing.
If you are not experiencing success at overcoming your sleep apnea, you may want to take more serious measures. Standard treatment vectors of sleep apnea do not work for certain individuals, and they wind up going in for surgical options. These can include tonsil removal and airway enlargements.
A proven tip to reducing and preventing sleep apnea is to try sleeping on your side. You should avoid sleeping with your face up on your back. Gravity will cause the tongue and tissues in your neck fall back and block your airways. So sleep on your side for a better nights sleep.
A great way to ensure that you do not sleep on your back and cause sleep apnea to occur is to use a tennis ball to prevent rolling onto your back. You can place one in a pillow behind your back and when you roll over in your sleep, the tennis ball will make you roll back on your side.
Your doctor should make a certain diagnosis of your sleep apnea, but there are ways you can help yourself too. It’s always a good idea to stop drinking and smoking and lose weight. It is doubly so if you have sleep apnea. You will definitely want to stay away from alcohol and caffeine, along with late night heavy meals before going to bed.
Did you know there are exercises that you can do to reduce your sleep apnea? Throat exercises are a great way to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. Try pressing the tongue against the floor of your mouth. Use a toothbrush to brush the tongues tops and sides. Repeat this exercise three times a day for five repetitions.
The first thing to do when you think you are dealing with sleep apnea is to discover if it is really apnea or just advanced snoring. If you have a loved one sleeping with you, this can be done alone at home, but if not you may need to visit a sleep clinic.
New apnea patients who are being fitted for CPAP equipment should insist on trying out several mask options. It is customary for the DME providers (Durable Medical Equipment) to show up at your door with a CPAP machine and a basic mask. Truth be told, there are many different styles of masks, and finding the best style for you dramatically improves your compliance with the CPAP therapy. Take the upper hand and insist that they show you a variety of masks, even if you have to go into their showroom. Like so many health issues, knowledge is the key. You will get better service and far more relief by knowing your options and speaking your mind.
You can now appreciate that sleep apnea is a condition that can be managed well. Use the advice from above to start sleeping better. When you get the rest you need, you’ll see many positive changes in your life.
