4 Remedies to Alleviate Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects approximately 30 million adults in the Untied States. This can lead to a variety of complications and negative effects during the day, like difficulty focusing, chronic fatigue, and mood changes. It’s important to seek help from a professional to work toward sound sleep. Here are some other steps that you can take at home to ease your symptoms. Read on to learn some tips to implement into your life and reduce signs related to sleep apnea.

Sleep in a New Position

It might not feel right at first, but sleeping in a new position may reduce your sleep apnea symptoms and improve your rest. Studies have shown that sleeping on your back can worsen the effects of sleep apnea. On the other hand, sleeping on your side can reduce the probability that the tissues in your mouth and throat will block your airway. For many adults, shifting to side-sleeping can help to regular breathing.

Use a Humidifier

Dry air can irritate the body and your respiratory system. A humidifier works by adding moisture to the air. This helps to open the airway, decrease congestion, and encourage clearer breathing. Humidifiers make breathing more comfortable, so you don’t experience irritation from a dry airway.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

When you are overweight, you are at a higher risk of experiencing airway obstruction and a narrow nasal passage. This can result in apnea. If you are overweight, working to reach a heathier weight can help to improve and even eliminate sleep apnea, work to keep up a healthy diet, and get plenty of exercise throughout the week. Yoga is a great, calming way to help you feel at ease while also getting the exercise you need.

Don’t Drink or Smoke

When you quit smoking and reduce your alcohol intake, you can reduce your likelihood of experiencing sleep apnea complications. Tobacco use contributes to inflammation and swelling in the airway, worsening snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise throughout the week. Yoga is a great, calming, gentle, and effective way to help you relax and get the exercise you need.

Sleep apnea significantly impacts your quality of life during the day. By working closely with your sleep dentist and implementing some of the steps listed above, you can work toward achieving quality sleep so you can thrive in your everyday life.

About the Author

Dr. Robert G. Dernick earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. He has gained more than four decades of experience! To learn more about sleep apnea or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (281) 363-2770.