How Can You Overcome Sleep Apnea

How Can You Overcome Sleep Apnea

Oct 01, 2019

Sleep apnea is a condition which affects not only the sleep of a person but also their health and general well-being. People with sleep apnea stop breathing for short periods while sleeping. They don’t get enough oxygen which causes them to gasp for breath and wake up from their sleep, explains the sleep apnea expert near you. In several cases, people are not even aware that they have stopped breathing. Sleep apnea can sound like snoring but it is potent enough to cause many health complications.

It can leave you tired, irritated and confused the next day. If sleep apnea is left untreated, it can lead to complications in the long run such as:

  • Trigger mental health issues
  • Contribute to memory loss
  • Lead to poor immune function
  • Increased risk of heart failure

Some of the common sleep apnea treatment in New Jersey includes breathing devices, medication, and surgery. Little lifestyle changes and care at home can also improve the quality of life and your sleep. Let’s have a look at some simple and effective ways of treating sleep apnea.

  • Reducing Weight

If the person suffering from sleep apnea is overweight, the doctor may recommend losing weight. Obesity in the upper body can increase the risk of airway obstruction and narrow the nasal passage. These obstructions can stop you from breathing while sleeping.

Reducing weight and achieving healthy weight can keep the airway clear and reduce symptoms of sleep apnea. Several studies show that even slight reduction in weight can eliminate the need for surgery or using the CPAP therapy. If weight loss has helped in relieving the symptoms, chances are that the condition will return if you gain weight.

  • Using a Humidifier

The humidifier is a device which adds moisture to the dry air. Dry air is known for irritating the body and the respiratory system. The humidifier can help in opening the airway, decreasing congestion, and promoting clearer breathing. You can also add lavender, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil to the humidifier as these essentials oils have anti-inflammatory benefits which soothes your senses.

  • Using Oral Appliances

The oral appliances can help in treating sleep apnea by repositioning the jaw or tongue and keeping the airway open while you sleep. The two main types of devices are mandibular advancement device and tongue stabilizing device. They move your lower jaw or tongue for decreasing the obstruction in the back of the throat.

These devices can range from low-cost OTC options for the custom-fit devices by the dentist. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the oral appliances are an effective therapy for sleep apnea.

  • Yoga

Exercising regularly can help in increasing the energy levels and strengthening your heart. It can help in improving your sleep apnea. Yoga can especially help in improving the respiratory strength and improve the flow of oxygen. It is associated with decreased oxygen saturation in the blood. Various breathing exercises can help in improving the oxygen levels. Yoga can effectively help in reducing amount of sleep interruptions that you generally experience.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Lifestyle changes can help in improving and encouraging better sleeping habits. Avoiding smoking and quitting alcohol can prove to be effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea in Wall Township, NJ. Alcohol relaxes your throat muscles which control your breathing. This can lead to snoring and interrupted sleep cycle. It can also cause inflammation of the airway which blocks the air flow.

Just like alcohol, tobacco can also lead to inflammation and swelling in the airway, it can worsen the snoring and sleep apnea. Smoking is a risk factor which can trigger sleep apnea.

  • Change Your Sleep Position

A small change such as altering your sleeping position can also help in reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea and improving your quality of sleep at night. According to the best dentist near me, sleeping on your back can worsen the symptoms.

  • Mouthguard

You can get a customized sleep apnea mouthguard from a dentist near you. The mouthguard is similar to the one that you wear while playing sports. They can help in preventing snoring and relieving OSA symptoms. Not all mouthguards are same and one should go for customized options only.

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