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How To Manage Your Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is potentially a serious sleep disorder where breathing starts and stops repeatedly. You may have the condition if you snore very loudly and feel exhausted even after sleeping the whole night.

There are 2 main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common type and occurs when your throat muscles relax

Central sleep apnea is the other type, which occurs as a result of your brain failing to send correct signals to muscles that regulate breathing.

In addition, some people experience complex sleep apnea-a combination of both conditions.

If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, visit your doctor immediately. The condition must be treated in order to prevent heart problems as well as other conditions.

The following are some of the simple tips on how you can relieve your sleep apnea:

Watch your weight

If you are overweight or obese then this is definitely one of the causes of your problem. You should lose a few pounds and see the difference.

Avoid drinking

Alcohol has the effect of relaxing your throat muscles, making them easily 'collapse' during your sleep and block the airway. If you can't avoid alcohol altogether, make sure you restrict the intake and don't drink within 3-4 hours before bedtime.

Avoid sleeping pills

Sleeping pills not only have the same effect as alcohol, but cause various other problems as well. If you have sleep apnea, avoid these pills.

Avoid tobacco

Smoking inflames nasal tissues and makes them swell and block the nasal airway. Ideally, it is better to quit smoking altogether. But if you can't, try to reduce it especially in the evening.

Sleep on the side

A majority of sleep apnea sufferers sleep on their back, which makes it very easy for tissues in the throat as well as the tongue to restrict the airway. Even when these people sleep on their side, they probably roll onto their back immediately they fall asleep.

Try to support yourself with cushions or pillows so that you're able to sleep on the side. If it doesn't work, sew a tennis ball at the back of the pajamas. This will make it harder to roll onto the ball and you'll soon get used to sleeping on your side.

If you cannot sew, find a t-shirt or shirt that has a breast pocket. Put the tennis ball inside the pocket and wear the shirt/tee-shirt back to front.

Avoid sleep deprivation

Ensure that you get adequate sleep and that you stick to a regular bedtime schedule. Also ensure that your bedroom has ideal conditions for sleep, for example it should be quiet, dark, have the right temperature etc. And before you go to sleep, make sure you've put all your daily worries aside and are ready to go to bed.

One of the main consequences of both types of sleep apnea (obstructive and central) is insomnia, and treating the insomnia related to sleep apnea is one huge step in managing sleep apnea.

The above are just some of the tips you can use to manage your sleep apnea. You'll be surprised at the difference they can bring. But if you have tried the above tips and they don't seem to work, it is advisable to see a doctor so that he/she can treat your Tampa sleep apnea.

Alex Dent is a freelance writer who writers for the best Tampa sleep apnea doctors. Come to our website to read more about how to find a Tampa sleep doctor of your own!