What You Need To Know About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is not only extremely inconvenient and disruptive, it also has the potential to be life threatening. You must educate yourself concerning the root causes so that you can find relief. With the information contained in this article, you will have a great start.
Do you smoke or drink? Drop these unhealthy habits. Smoking and drinking have negative effects on your airways. Alcohol relaxes your airways, making them more prone to collapse, and smoking can cause them to swell, restricting airflow. Try to at least smoke less, because it will help you deal with sleep apnea.
Keep in contact with your physician if you have sleep apnea. You can learn a lot about your condition and treatment by keeping in communication with your doctor. When you start a new treatment, meet with your doctor a month later to talk about its effectiveness.
Talk to others who share your condition. Search for local support groups. Your doctor may be able to direct you to a support group or therapy session in your area. It is helpful to talk with others who understand and have experienced the same problems you have.
Don't use narcotics of opioid medication if you can help it. These medications can lower your oxygen level if you have a normal sleep cycle. This can seriously hurt the amount of oxygen you get in a night if you have sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea does not go away on its own; patients need treatment. Some treatments work better for different people. Some sleep apnea sufferers can deal with their symptoms by getting rid of excess weight, but there are also people with the condition who aren't overweight. The CPAP machine has been a very successful option for millions, and it does not involve any invasive procedures. Others prefer surgery to relieve their sleep apnea. Whatever route is best for you, getting treatment is key to living a happy, restful life.
Sleep apnea can be a big deal when left untreated, so see a doctor if suspect that you may have it. The condition is too serious to make assumptions about. Speak with your doctor and let them know all the things going on in your life that may be the cause of this condition.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, try sleeping in a position other than on your back. Lying on your back when you sleep makes it easier for your airways to become blocked. Try sleeping on your side. You may need some pillow to keep you in this position.
If your sleep apnea is a result of narrow airways, look at options for a mouth guard. Through the use of a mouth guard, airways will be kept open. Mouth guards and sleep masks must be properly fitted in order to help improve apnea.
There is no debate about the frustration that is often brought on by sleep apnea. The lack of quality sleep, the discomfort, and the life threatening danger all work to make life miserable for those who deal with sleep apnea. Use what you've learned here to come up with a treatment plan that will get rid of your sleep apnea for good.
