The detrimental impact sleep apnea has on the lives of countless sufferers is a very serious matter. Fortunately, with a bit of knowledge and research, it is possible for just about anyone to learn effective techniques for managing the condition. Review the ideas below for some useful information about battling sleep apnea successfully.
Try using a mouth guard that's custom-fitted for you. These are made especially for those suffering from sleep apnea. If you don't have CPAP, then this guard is an excellent alternative. Also, it's a lot more comfortable wearing this mouth guard while sleeping. It really helps keep the airways clear and keeps the soft tissues of the throat stable.
If you have sleep apnea, be sure to ask your doctor every five years if you should have a follow-up sleep study. As your weight and health change, your CPAP pressure may need to be adjusted. The most accurate way to reassess your needs is to have another sleep study with CPAP so the appropriate pressure can be determined.
If you have sleep apnea and cannot break the habit of sleeping on your back, try sleeping in a t-shirt with two tennis balls sewn into the back. Making this sleep shirt is a simple project to do at home, and it can help to break you of sleeping on your back. Every time you try to roll over on your back in your sleep, the tennis balls will remind you to roll back onto your side.
Understand the effects that smoking and drinking alcohol have on sleep apnea, if you are trying to get a grip on your quality of sleep. Smoking enlarges airways, while alcohol can relax them too much, both of which will contribute to the symptoms of sleep apnea severely. Consider making the necessary cut-backs that will cut down on your sleep problems.
Try your best to maintain a regular sleeping schedule. When your body gets into a customary sleeping cycle, you will find yourself getting a better night's sleep, and you will also be more relaxed. Several studies have shown that apnea episodes decrease when a person is not sleep deprived or stressed out.
Sleep apnea does not go away on its own; patients need treatment. Some treatments work better for different people. If you lose weight you will help your sleep apnea, but this is not always the cause. CPAP machines are considered non-invasive, and many people use them successfully. Others prefer surgery to relieve their sleep apnea. Choose whichever method you think will work for you so you may begin to live a happy and comfortable life.
The most important aspect of dealing with sleep apnea is understanding exactly what it is. Unlike simple snoring, it is when a sleeper stop's breathing for a short period of time while he is sleeping. If your sleep partner tells you that sometimes you stop breathing, there is a good chance you have apnea.
If you are a trucker who has sleep apnea, take precautions to stay safe on the road. First of all, get yourself properly diagnosed and treated. If your doctor prescribes a CPAP, use it. They are small and easily portable and can run on battery power if necessary. Try to stay fit and get regular sleep to keep your condition under control.
Sleep apnea can cause many problems beyond just the inability to get a good night's sleep. If you let your condition go untreated, it may get worse over time. Getting enough sleep is crucial to your overall level of health, so start using the tips you have read in this article right away to find relief.