Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a patient to stop breathing during sleep, and this problem can occur so often as to awaken a person more than a hundred times in a single night. This can lead to problems such as sleepiness, irritability, weight gain, and even car accidents during waking hours. While it’s important to have these problems treated by a medical professional like a sleep dentist, there are a few ways to reduce your symptoms at home. Here’s a brief list of home remedies for sleep apnea.
Exercise Regularly and Eat a Healthy Diet
The body’s tissues relax during sleep. If a person has sleep apnea, this relaxation will cause these tissues to restrict their breathing by weighing heavily on their airway. This problem can be more severe in people who are overweight, as the added mass can weigh even more heavily. One of the best ways to reduce your sleep apnea symptoms is to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep the extra weight off. It may be a great idea to consult with a doctor to determine the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Mind Your Sleeping Position
Making a minor change like altering your sleeping position can make a major difference in your sleep apnea symptoms. Sleeping on your back can maximize how much pressure your relaxing tissues exert on your airway, causing you to wake up more every night. Many people find that sleeping on their sides can greatly reduce their sleep apnea symptoms.
Kick a Few Bad Habits
Smoking and alcohol use can contribute to the symptoms of sleep apnea. Alcohol is a muscle relaxant, and while this can make a nice after-dinner cocktail a pleasurable indulgence, it can also cause your soft tissues to relax even more so they weigh more heavily on your airway. It can also contribute to inflammation within the airway, constricting it further. Tobacco use can also cause this sort of inflammation, and a 2012 study found that smoking was a risk factor for developing sleep apnea. It’s best to quit smoking and drinking if you have sleep apnea.
Taking proactive steps to manage your sleep apnea symptoms can greatly improve your quality of life. However, the best way to address the problem is to have it treated by a qualified professional.
About the Practice
Downtown Denver Sleep Solutions is dedicated the helping the good people of Denver, CO enjoy better sleep. Led by Drs. Glenn Thompson and Gary Radz, the staff provides each patient with compassionate attention personalized to fit their needs. Areas of expertise include snoring treatments, at-home sleep testing, and sleep apnea treatments. If you suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea, contact the office online or dial (303) 377-5337.