Don’t Let Sleep Apnea Control Your Life

Sleep apnea is something that people do not know they have a lot of the time. This condition stems from the airways collapsing as one sleeps, making breathing difficult. Read this article to learn more about this scary condition.

One way to fight against sleep apnea is to give up vices. Few things are worse for sleep apnea than drinking and smoking. Alcohol depresses your nervous system and makes it harder to breathe, particularly when you are asleep. Cigarette smoke is full of cancer-causing chemicals which are bad for your lungs. Your sleep apnea symptoms will improve if you give up both of these unhealthy habits completely.

If your airway is naturally narrow, a mouth guard for sleep may help with your sleep apnea. These guards look similar to what athletes use, but are specifically made to change the position of the tongue, jaw and palate while you sleep and keep your airway open. Talk to your doctor about whether or not a mouth guard can solve your sleep apnea problem.

Meet with a doctor about what CPAP machine you should use. The machine size and how loud it is are things you should think about. Some are as small as a loaf of bread and quiet as a whisper. The doctor will know which manufacturers offer the best machines.

If you’re using a CPAP, use it a minimum of four hours nightly. Using a CPAP while sleeping is a tough adjustment for many patients to make. Use your CPAP as often as prescribed by your doctor, and make sure it fits properly. If you find it hard to get used to your CPAP, use it for only 4 hours at a go.

Have a mouth guard made for you. These are a great aid to sufferers of sleep apnea. The mouth guard is more comfortable to use than a CPAP machine that works by applying constant positive airway pressure. These mouth guards help you by making sure your airways remain open by giving your soft tissues a stabilizing hand.

Tying to find the right treatment may not be easy when you suffer from sleep apnea. To help deal with this terrible problem, it is very important you gain as much knowledge as you can about the condition. Use the information you’ve learned from the preceding paragraphs to start an effective treatment program that makes your suffering a thing of the past.