Five Ways To Get Better Sleep When You Have Sleep Apnea

If you are a sufferer of sleep apnea, you are probably constantly exhausted. Waking up multiple times a night can take a serious toll on a person’s physical and mental state. You may find yourself to be irritable, unable to concentrate and fraught with headaches and general weariness. The most effective doctor prescribed cure is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This involves pressurized air generated by a portable machine being delivered through a mask while you sleep. If this does not sound like your most desirable option, there are a few other things that you can do that can help.

1. Weight loss – Most people who have sleep apnea are overweight. Excess weight in the neck can restrict your airways while you are sleeping and excess weight in the abdomen can restrict your body’s ability to operate its breathing muscles effectively. Losing weight is the safest and most effective way to reverse the symptoms of sleep apnea.

2. Quit drinking – Alcohol is a natural depressant. When you drink excessively, it slows down your body’s ability to perform natural body functions, including breathing. If you suffer from sleep apnea, it’s a good idea to quit drinking in the evenings and possibly altogether.

3. Quit smoking – As you know, smoking is harmful on your body for many reasons, including being detrimental to your body’s respiratory system. By returning your lung capacity back to its normal healthy state, you are allowing your body to do its job better and more effectively.

4. Talk to your doctor about your medications- Some medications that are commonly prescribed are natural depressants. Like alcohol, they slow your body’s natural systems. If you are prone to sleep apnea conditions, these medications can be extremely harmful to you and you should not be taking them.

5. Go to the dentist – A little known fact about sleep apnea is that a relatively simple oral appliance therapy acquired from your doctor may be very helpful. This oral appliance is a small piece of plastic or silicone that slips into your mouth and holds your mouth and throat in certain positions to prevent heavy snoring and cessation of breath while you sleep.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to sleep apnea is that every person is different. It is important to try different treatments and solutions in order to find the thing that works for you. Consult with your doctor and dentist as well.