If you are unable to sleep well because of sleep apnea, you must take steps to get the problem under control. Moving through life without enough sleep is both disadvantageous and even risky. Please use the following advice to improve your sleep, in spite of having all the symptoms of sleep apnea.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, have a regular bedtime. Your sleeping pattern is already thrown off by this sleep disorder. If you can get on a better scheducle you will help your symptoms. You should go to bed at the same hour every single day.
If you're having a problem with sleep apnea and are a smoker or a drinker, you may find that quitting can help you immensely. Alcohol relaxes the tongue and throat muscles, which can cause them to block your airway; smoking inflames the airway, causing it to narrow. Both of these habits can cause snoring and apnea. Quitting these addictions may be the easiest way to cure your sleep apnea.
There are some bad habits that should be stopped because they make sleep apnea worse. Drinking and smoking are the biggest offenders. Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, which restricts the airway while a person sleeps. Smoking introduces known carcinogens into your lungs and damages them over time. Letting these habits go can reduce your symptoms and make sleeping easier.
A mouth guard for use while you sleep can help you deal with sleep apnea, even if your airways are naturally narrow. These devices correct your airways and they help you breathe properly. If this sounds like a solution worth pursuing, discuss the matter with your doctor and schedule a fitting for a guard of your own.
Consider joining a sleep apnea group to get support and find ways to deal with your various symptoms. You can find a lot of useful groups on the internet. These support groups can help keep you informed of recent advancements regarding sleep apnea. Your physician may be able to refer you to a good support group.
Do not take pain medications. These particular pain medications are known to instigate lower oxygen levels in people with normal sleep. If you are already suffering with sleep apnea and use these medications, it can potentially turn into a fatal situation.
Do not take sleeping pills if you have sleep apnea. Sleeping pills can interfere with your throat muscles and with your airway. Avoid them at all costs to prevent yourself from hurting your body any more.
Do not sleep on the back if you suffer from sleep apnea. Back sleeping could result in a collapsed airway, causing your symptoms. Because of this, you should aim to sleep on one of your sides. By doing this, gravity won't be your enemy.
You can not short yourself when it comes to sleep. Do what you must to rest enough and rest well. Remember what you have read in this article when you next go lay down for the night, and you might just have discovered the secrets to managing your symptoms.