Give up some of your vices to combat the symptoms of sleep apnea. Drinking and smoking are the biggest offenders. Drinking affects the respiratory system. Smoking inserts carcinogens into the lungs, which eventually damages them. Your sleep apnea symptoms will improve if you give up both of these unhealthy habits completely.
Check with your doctor to see which CPAP equipment is best to treat your sleep apnea. Not all machines are alike, and you may need one that has a humidifier or a certain type of pressure. Some machines are very quiet and no bigger than a simple bread box. Your physician probably knows which machines are best.
Regular practice on a wind instrument can minimize some of your sleep apnea symptoms. Researchers around the world have implied that the musical instrument, the didgeridoo, can be used to make airway muscles stronger. These particular muscles impact your airway dilation and control how stiff your airway walls get. This is why playing this instrument regularly will help strengthen these muscles, and reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
If you're using a CPAP, use it a minimum of four hours nightly. Sleeping while using a CPAP can be difficult to adjust to at first, but it is not impossible. Good health over the long term is what is important, and you need to build up the amount of time you use it until you can use it throughout the night. If you struggle to adjust to it in the beginning, try using the CPAP for about four hours while you sleep.
Sleep apnea can occur in adults or children; there is no age limit. If you find your child is innatentive, always tired or uses their mouth to breath and not their nose, they may suffer from this condition. Sleep apnea symptoms can mimic those of ADHD, but only a doctor can give the proper diagnosis.
Don't take sleeping pills if you can avoid it. Sleeping pills can interfere with your throats muscles, just like alcohol. They may also have other negative effects as well. Ask your doctor about sleeping aids that won't have a negative impact on your breathing.
Stick to a schedule when it comes to your sleep. Your sleeping pattern is already thrown off by this sleep disorder. Any steps you take to improve your overall sleep habits will help deal with the symptoms of your condition and minimize the impact it has. The best thing you can do is to be sure you're going to sleep and getting up every day during the same time.
Lose weight to prevent developing sleep apnea. A lot of people find that if they shed weight they will help the apnea. Losing even just five pounds can make your sleep apnea symptoms go away.
It's important to take responsibility to lessen the things that can cause sleep apnea. Some sleep apnea risk factors cannot be changed, like genetic or hereditary reasons. On the other hand, you can influence risk factors like your weight, smoking and drinking.
Although professional medical advice is always warranted in treating sleep apnea, you can try out a few treatments on your own, too. A couple of good examples are controlling your weight and quitting smoking. It is also important to avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine and heavy meals at least two hours prior to going to sleep.
It is better to sleep on your side if you have sleep apnea. A common sleeping position for most people suffering from sleep apnea is on their backs. As a result, it's easy for airways to get blocked. You can prop yourself up on one side with cushions or pillows to discourage face-up sleeping.
Those dealing with sleep apnea on a daily basis are on a seemingly lifelong quest for a real solution to their condition. Understanding how to manage this condition is the key to getting it under control. The strategies in this article will help sleep apnea sufferers sleep well and get on with their lives.