Sleep apnea affects millions of people and that number that continues to grow every year. The scary part is that many people go through their lives not even realizing that they suffer from this disruptive medical condition.
Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea or suspect that you have the condition? Make sure to speak to your doctor, but there are several things to try at home to give you the sleep relief you need in the meantime.
Keep reading to learn more about how to deal with sleep apnea on your own.
1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Weight is one of the biggest factors when it comes to sleep apnea. The extra weight on our bodies obstructs the airways in our lungs as well as in our noses. It makes it harder for our muscles to push past that extra weight and allow for proper breathing while we sleep.
That’s why many people who suffer from obesity also suffer from sleep apnea.
Living a healthier lifestyle and losing weight is one of the best remedies for relief from this sleeping condition. Even small changes can make a big difference in your sleep quality.
2. Stop Taking Sleeping Pills
Sleep Apnea leaves us feeling exhausted which often makes us turn to sleep pills for help. The problem is that sleeping pills is not a good way to treat the symptoms of this condition.
Pills like this include muscle relaxants, which end up making the symptoms of sleep apnea worse. Your relaxed muscles react slower to the lack of proper breathing, which only gives you a worse sleep.
Stay away from sleeping pills unless prescribed by your doctor!
3. Sleep With a Humidifier
The extra moisture put into the air by a regular humidifier is a great asset to anyone suffering from sleep apnea. The humidity opens the airways and clears up congestion in the chest, which helps you breathe while you sleep.
For an even better effect, add in a couple of drops of peppermint or lavender oil. Their anti-inflammatory qualities soothe damaged and blocked airways.
4. Try Sleeping on Your Side
Sometimes all it takes to make a big difference in your night’s rest is to physically change the way you sleep. For example, sleeping on your back puts more pressure and weight upon your lungs and obstructs your airways more than other positions.
When you sleep on your side, that pressure distributes throughout the rest of the body. This frees your chest from that extra weight and gives you a more restful night of sleep.
Learning How to Deal With Sleep Apnea Takes Experimentation
It’s a slow process to learn how to deal with sleep apnea, but taking the time to try out the different remedies is worth it. Not only will you ensure yourself a good night’s rest, but you’ll also find that the regular stresses of the day don’t bother you as much.
It’ll be easier to concentrate on your responsibilities when exhaustion doesn’t hang over you all day. Keep trying new things until you find the remedy that works best for you!
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