Sleep apnea is a severe sleeping disorder that causes one to stop breathing for short periods while asleep. People who have sleep apnea Union Square do not breathe in enough oxygen. As a result, they gasp and frequently awaken. People often think their sleep cycle is normal and are unaware that they have ceased breathing.
Fortunately, there are natural remedies you may use to treat sleep apnea. Here are some sleep apnea treatments.
1. Maintain a healthy weight
One reason why weight gain significantly raises your risk for sleep apnea is the likelihood that you are essentially adding weight to the inside of your neck, which impairs your throat muscles and breathing capacity. Being overweight increases the likelihood of having sleep problems because fat deposits around your upper airway might interfere with proper breathing. If you are overweight, decreasing weight might assist with your symptoms. However, it might not completely cure your sleep apnea,
2. Change your sleeping position
Snoring may be lessened by sleeping with your head up. Studies show that sleeping on your back, which forces your tongue and palate tissue on the back of your throat, has been found to exacerbate snoring and related symptoms.
Sleeping on one’s side is the ideal posture to reduce sleep apnea symptoms, often with a pillow that keeps your head slightly lifted. Alternating between sleeping on your back and your stomach is a second alternative.
3. Try yoga
Exercise regularly can help with sleep apnea, heart health, and energy levels. Yoga can help you breathe easier and move more oxygen through your body.
Your blood’s oxygen saturation drops as a result of sleep apnea. Through its varied breathing techniques, yoga can raise your oxygen levels. As a result, yoga lessens the likelihood of sleep disturbances.
4. Avoid excessive drinking and smoking
Alcohol has been demonstrated to reduce sleep quality and relax the throat muscles, especially the uvula and palate, which are necessary to regulate breathing.
Smoking and drinking can cause swelling and fluid retention in the airways, disrupting regular sleep. If you need another reason to stop, smokers are three times more likely to get obstructive sleep apnea than persons who have never smoked. Strive to stop smoking, and if you do drink, make a point of abstaining at least three hours before bedtime.
5. Humidify your bedroom
Some people claim that using a humidifier in their beds during sleep results in reduced snoring, less congestion, and cleaner breathing. Your sinuses may be able to drain, and more air may flow through your airways with the assistance of a humidifier. To naturally clear your airways and relieve a stuffy nose or throat, you can massage essential oils on your chest before bed, such as eucalyptus oil.
6. Consider using a snore guard or sleep device
While you eventually want to address the issues that initially contributed to your sleep apnea symptoms, utilizing a costly, over-the-counter snore guard that you insert into your mouth can help you temporarily reduce snoring. Snore guards function by boiling the flexible device and inserting it into your mouth, which aids in moving your lower jaw slightly forward and maintaining wider airways.
You may treat sleep apnea symptoms with a few natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments. However, you should not ignore traditional medical approaches.
Call Matthew W. Shawl, MD, to book your appointment for sleep apnea treatment.