If you suffer from sleep apnea, you may notice that you are often tired and groggy throughout the day. Sleep apnea affects typical sleep patterns, as it is a sleep disorder that occurs when normal breathing stops during sleep and causes you to wake up repeatedly during the night. Many people with sleep apnea are not aware that they are constantly awoken, yet they experience the tiring consequences during waking hours.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common type of the disorder that involves the muscles relaxing during sleep, blocking the airways and disrupting the flow of oxygen to the lungs. Treatment options range from sleeping devices that help keep the airways clear to simple lifestyle changes and home remedies.
A common and preferred method for treating sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which involves wearing a mask that delivers air pressure through a machine to help keep airway passages open. The CPAP device should be worn every time you go to sleep, even if you are just lying down for a short nap. Although a CPAP device cannot cure obstructive sleep apnea, and it may take some time to get used to wearing, it can very effective in treating sleeping problems caused by sleep apnea.
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a dental device can also help clear the airways and allow for proper breathing while you sleep. Dental devices include a tongue retaining device, which can help treat sleep apnea if your tongue obstructs air from getting through properly. The tongue is held in place with a splint or suction bulb, allowing for air to pass through. Another type of dental device is a mandibular advancement device (MAD), which looks like a mouth guard and keeps the lower jaw in a forward position in order to keep the tongue from blocking airways. Speak with your dentist about dental devices if you suffer from sleep apnea.
There are many cases in which certain lifestyle changes and home remedies can be effective methods of treating sleep apnea. Being overweight, for example, can lead to additional fat around the neck that narrows the airways, making it harder air to get through when you sleep. Losing weight can help you widen the airways and sleep better at night. Drinking alcohol or taking certain medications can relax muscles even more, so reducing your consumption of these substances can also be effective in treating sleep apnea. You can also try sleeping on your side or stomach when you sleep, instead of your back, and keep your nasal passages clear with saline nasal spray before bed.
Because surgery can often be ineffective or even worsen the condition, it is usually only recommended in severe cases of sleep apnea in which no other treatment has worked. Types of surgery that treat sleep apnea include removing the uvula or adjusting the position of the jaw.
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