Getting a good night’s rest is crucial to maintaining good mental, physical, and emotional health, but this can be hard to achieve for some people, particularly those with sleep apnea. Treatment options for sleep apnea differ depending on the extent of the condition.
Mild symptoms may respond well to natural treatments like weight loss or a change in sleeping position. Some individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea require more extensive treatment. Find out more about natural remedies for sleep apnea and other ways to deal with it.
Natural Remedies for Sleep Apnea
Wearing an assistive breathing machine, known as a CPAP, also called continuous positive airway pressure, is the holy grail for treating sleep apnea. Although CPAP equipment is highly efficient, some patients may experience displeasure while using it. Changing certain aspects of your lifestyle may help treat sleep apnea symptoms.
Below are some ways of living that may help those of you who are struggling with sleep disorders: You can check out websites like https://healthysleepmidwest.com/ for more information on alternative treatments for sleep apnea.
Take Care of Your Weight
Doctors frequently urge weight loss in patients with sleep apnea. Obesity might heighten the risk of airway clogs and constricted nasal flows, particularly in the upper body. These blockages might induce abrupt or long-term cessation of breathing during sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea, maintaining a healthy weight will help keep your airways open and lessen your symptoms.
The study reveals that minor weight loss in obese individuals can eliminate the need for upper airway surgical procedures or long-term CPAP treatment. In some situations, losing weight helps treat sleep apnea. However, if you regain weight, the condition can reappear. The best course of action for treating your sleep apnea will depend on your particular situation, so it’s important to discuss your weight and other sleep apnea options without CPAP with your doctor.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking
Avoiding excessive alcohol intake and cigarette smoking can alleviate some of the symptoms related to sleep apnea. Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, which is much more disruptive to your normal breathing pattern if you suffer from sleep apnea. This disruption leads to snoring and an interrupted sleep cycle.
Tobacco use triggers swelling and inflammation of the airways, intensifying sleep apnea and increasing snoring. In fact, a study identified smoking as a major risk factor for developing sleep apnea. The study also discovered that people who deal with sleep apnea are more likely to smoke. In other words, treating your sleep apnea can make quitting smoking much easier.
Change Your Sleep Position
Everyone has a preferred sleeping position, but if you struggle with sleep apnea, changing to another position may really help. Sleep apnea is less likely to occur if you sleep on your tummy or side. However, if you sleep on your back, you are more likely to have issues.
Devices that attach to your back or waist can assist you in avoiding resting on your back and eliminate the need for a CPAP machine. Talk to your doctor about your body position and sleep apnea cure without CPAP to determine your other treatment options.
Ultimately
Certain lifestyle adjustments and natural remedies can help control and reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Traditional treatments, such as CPAP therapy, which is one of the most effective and widely used therapies for moderate to severe sleep apnea, should not be disregarded. Before looking into any alternative methods, it is recommended that you talk about your choices with your doctor. If your condition gets any worse, you need to seek medical attention immediately.