Those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea can experience difficulties in coping with day to day challenges due to poor quality of sleep. Here are some helpful strategies for living healthfully and improving your sleep apnea.
It's important to have a professional diagnose and treat your sleep apnea, but there are also a number of things you can do to cope with some of the negative daytime affects of this common condition.
Strategies for Staying Healthy and Improving Sleep Apnea.
Change Your Diet and Lose Weight
Those who suffer from sleep apnea are more likely than the general population to be overweight. Evidence suggests that if you lose weight your sleep apnea symptoms may improve.
Often people find it easier to lose weight after having their sleep apnea treated! So be sure to see your dentist or doctor to have sleep apnea diagnosed and treated.
Exercise More
Exercise has a number of health benefits which could help to improve your sleep apnea symptoms.
Getting more exercise can lead to: better endurance, improved muscle tone, increased energy, reduction in tension, depression and anxiety, weight loss, lower blood pressure, improved circulation and even a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.
Dental and Medical Care
If you’re scheduled to undergo a sedated (anesthesia, “going under”) dental or medical procedure, it's important to notify all of the medical and dental professionals caring for you, that you suffer from sleep apnea.
If you will be staying in hospital overnight, be sure to bring your CPAP machine or dental device with you, and use it as directed.
Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine Near Bedtime
Both alcohol and caffeine can cause problems with sleep.
To improve the quality of your sleep, avoid alcohol and caffeine for at least 4 hours before heading to bed. If you do want to enjoy a drink containing alcohol or caffeine, try to drink it earlier in the day, along with a meal.
Quit Smoking
Sleep apnea is yet another good reasons to quit smoking.
Smokers have an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. Smoking may also make your nose irritated and stuffy, which can interfere with the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy.