Sleep Apnea Treatments

Are you looking for treatments for sleep apnea? This is a disease that affects respiratory function during sleep. Men have a higher risk of being affected by this dysfunction than women.

This nocturnal disorder is considered “severe” because it stops the flow of oxygen to different parts of the body while we rest. Sleep apnea has several causes. Its specific symptoms include: shortness of breath, snoring, suffocation and somnambulism.

In the following article you can find out more about the main natural treatments for sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea

This problem affects the normal function of breathing during sleep, which can cause shallow breathing or interruptions between 15 and 20 seconds in the normal flow of air.

Sleep apnea deprives people of rest, causes nightmares and prevents the body from recovering during the night. These things lead to lower energy levels and reduced productivity, poor mood, irritability and reduced ability to concentrate.

If sleep apnea treatments are not used, the condition can lead to daytime drowsiness, slow reflexes and strokes. In addition, apnea also causes other health problems, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.

The symptoms of sleep apnea can be difficult to identify because the condition manifests itself at night, while we sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea, the person who will notice them will be a family member or life partner.

Sleep apnea – common symptoms:

• Breathless
• Snoring loudly
• Choking or wheezing
• Drowsiness during the day
• Restless sleep
• Feeling short of breath when waking up
• I went to the bathroom frequently very early in the morning
• Feeling dry mouth or throat in the morning
• Morning headaches
• Lack of concentration at work
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Depression
• Strange sleeping positions
• Excessive sweating at night
• Nightmares
• Mouth breathing
• Poor overall performance

Risk factors for sleep apnea include: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, tonsils or swollen tongue, blocked nostrils and heredity. In addition, men are more prone to sleep apnea than women.

Treatments for sleep apnea

There are two sleeping positions you should take:

On the one hand

Sleeping on one side, whether right or left, allows more air to enter the lungs.  Not the same thing happens when you sleep on your stomach or back.

Of course, you can’t control your position while you sleep, so try to put a big pillow on your back or sleep with your back to a wall to stay on your side.

Another trick you can try is to sew or tie a disturbing object of pajamas on your back and chest, so that you will have to change your position when you turn on your belly or back.

With his head held high

Use more pillows to keep your head higher. This will improve your breathing at night.  If you do not find this position very comfortable, you can gradually increase the height of the pillows. Make sure your chest is also raised.

If you want to buy another bed, choose one with folding parts. You can also lift the front legs of the bed. Many experts believe that this is even more effective than using more pillows.

Other tips to treat sleep apnea:

Loosen

Obesity and overweight can worsen the symptoms of sleep apnea. Start eating healthy, exercise at least twice a week, eat more fruits and vegetables, avoid fried foods, sugar and fats, and drink 2 liters of water a day. Losing weight will significantly improve your symptoms and clear your airways.

Quit smoking

Cigarettes are another factor that aggravates sleep apnea. Smoking causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. In addition, if you quit smoking, your overall health will improve.

Avoid alcohol

Alcoholic beverages, as well as sedatives, relax the muscles of the throat, affecting its function. It is also advisable to avoid excessive caffeine consumption during the day, but especially in the afternoon, as this can affect your normal sleep schedule.

Avoid hearty meals

If you go to bed on a full stomach, you will not be able to rest very well. In addition, it also affects the way air reaches the lungs.

Treatments for sleep apnea

Valerian root

This plant has long been used as a relaxant. It helps you fall asleep faster and have a more restful sleep. Valerian is a perfect remedy for people who suffer from insomnia or have nightmares caused by sleep apnea.

Essential oils

The best oils for a restful sleep are chamomile, lavender and cuckoo. The latter decreases airway inflammation. You can apply it on the temples with a light massage or spread it in the bedroom. If you want to decongest your nostrils, use eucalyptus oil. Pour a few drops into a pot of boiling water and inhale the vapors.

We hope you found this article on natural treatments for sleep apnea interesting!