Getting a good night’s rest is essential to maintaining good mental, physical, and emotional health, but this can be difficult to accomplish for some people, especially those with sleep apnea. Treatment options for sleep apnea differ depending on the extent of the condition.
Mild symptoms may respond well to natural treatments like weight loss or a change in sleeping position. Some individuals with mild to severe sleep apnea need more substantial treatment. Find out more about natural remedies for sleep apnea and other methods to deal with it.
Natural Remedies for Sleep Apnea
Wearing an assistive breathing machine, known as a CPAP, also called continuous positive airway pressure, is the holy grail for dealing with sleep apnea. Although CPAP equipment is highly efficient, some patients may experience displeasure while using it. Changing certain aspects of your lifestyle may help treat sleep apnea symptoms.
Below are some ways of living that may assist those of you that are struggling with sleep disorders: To find a reliable sleep apnea center in Missouri that can provide you with various treatment choices for your sleeping disorder, you may do a web search.
Take Care of Your Weight
Doctors frequently urge weight loss in patients with sleep apnea. Obesity, especially in the upper body, might heighten the risk of airway clogs and constricted nasal flows. These blockages might induce sudden or prolonged cessation of breathing during sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea, maintaining a healthy weight will definitely help keep your airways open and reduce your symptoms.
Study shows that minor weight loss in obese individuals can eliminate the need for upper airway surgery or long-term CPAP treatment. In some situations, losing weight helps cure sleep apnea. However, if you regain weight, the condition can re-emerge. If you want to stay at a healthy weight to avoid sleep apnea, you can get help from companies like Healthy Sleep Midwest.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking
Avoiding too much alcohol intake and cigarette smoking can relieve some of the symptoms associated with sleep apnea. Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, which is much more disruptive to your normal breathing pattern if you struggle with sleep apnea. This disruption causes snoring and an interrupted sleep cycle.
Cigarette use causes swelling and inflammation of the airways, worsening sleep apnea, and increasing snoring. In fact, a study identified smoking as a major risk factor for developing sleep apnea. The study also found that people who deal with sleep apnea are most likely to smoke. In short, treating your sleep apnea can make quitting smoking much easier.
Change Your Sleep Position
Each person has a preferred sleeping position, but if you struggle with sleep apnea, changing to another position may help. Sleep apnea is less likely to develop if you sleep on your tummy or side. However, you are more likely to have problems if you sleep on your back.
Devices that attach to your back or waist can assist you in avoiding resting on your back and eliminate the need for sleep apnea treatment without CPAP. Discuss your body positioning and sleep apnea problems with your doctor to determine your treatment choices.
Ultimately
Certain lifestyle adjustments and natural remedies can help manage and reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Traditional treatments, such as CPAP therapy, which is the most effective and widely used solution for moderate to severe sleep apnea, should not be overlooked. Before exploring any different ways, it is recommended that you discuss your options with your doctor. If your condition gets any worse, you need to seek medical attention immediately.