Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea – For The Patient And Family

If sleep apnea afflicts you, you need to be aware that it steals your sleep and wounds your well-being. Getting enough sleep is important for daily energy as well as helping to ward off certain life-threatening medical conditions. Luckily for you, you have a number of options. Read the following tips to help you treat you sleep apnea.

In order to improve sleep apnea, eliminate some bad habits from your life. If you smoke and drink, you are almost sure to suffer from sleep disturbances. Drinking relaxes your airway to prevent proper breathing. Over time, your lungs will be damaged as the result of smoking. Quit both these habits, and you’ll soon notice an improvement in your sleeping patterns.

If you are suffering with sleep apnea due to having narrow airways, you should get yourself a mouth guard to use when sleeping. These devices are designed to correct your airways and allow you to breathe properly during the night. If you think a mouth guard might help you out, consult a physician and ask her to fit you with one.

If you want relief from sleep apnea symptoms, one way to get it is to start playing a woodwind instrument. Researchers from Germany found that practicing with the didgeridoo on a regular basis strengthens throat muscles. You’ll have better control over your airway’s dilation and the stiffness of the surrounding tissues if you exercise these muscles. Regular playing can significantly reduce the occurrence of the symptoms of sleep apnea by allowing these muscle to function properly and letting you get a peaceful night’s rest.

Avoid alcohol before bed as much as possible. Alcohol is a natural muscle relaxant. While this might often be a desirable side effect of drinking, it can also cause sleep apnea. Your throat muscles may be affected, causing breathing difficulties. If you absolutely must drink, then do it in moderation and certainly not right when you’re about to go to sleep.

Sleep is essential, so it is important to take serious steps to regain good sleep. Keep the useful tips of this article in mind the next time you start getting ready for bed and hopefully you will find a way around the symptoms of this very troublesome condition.