Sleep disorders affect people all around the world, and having chronic problems that create issues with proper rest can have long-term health effects on your body. Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes problems with breathing as you slumber, and nearly 30 million Americans struggle with it, as well as almost a billion worldwide.
With an estimated 23.5 million adults trying to cope with this condition without even realizing they have it, the risks of dealing with other conditions like diabetes, hypertension, depression, cardiovascular disease, and stroke increase.
Residents of Glendale, Arizona, trying to control their sleep apnea can find help with Dr. Sarah Patel and the dedicated team at Sonoran Sleep Center. There are treatment options available, but you can also do some things to manage your condition at home.
Let’s explore this by looking at the common causes of sleep apnea, the symptoms, and methods of home management.
COMMON CAUSES OF SLEEP APNEA
There are three different types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea, which results from tissue pressing on your windpipe (trachea) from the muscles in your neck. The result is air not being able to pass through as you try to breathe, blocking it from getting to your lungs, and lowering the amount of oxygen in your blood.
When this happens, your brain senses your inability to breathe and wakes you to reopen your airway. This can lead to snorting, choking, and gasping that can repeat in a cycle up to 30 times an hour as you try to sleep.
Risk factors like being overweight, a thick neck, a narrow airway, family history, smoking, nasal congestion, and various medical conditions increase your chance of getting obstructive sleep apnea.
SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include daytime sleepiness, not feeling well rested when you wake, mood changes, waking during the night, observable pauses in your breathing, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, headaches, and night sweats. It can also disrupt brain function, leading to memory problems and issues with focus and concentration. Men are up to three times more likely to deal with sleep apnea.
WAYS TO MANAGE SLEEP APNEA AT HOME
Here’s what you can do to cope with the disorder at home:
LOSE WEIGHT
Having a thick neck or other related obstructive issues related to sleep apnea can be due to excess weight, so shedding some pounds can help reduce your symptoms.
MAKE LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Reducing your alcohol consumption and not smoking can create better sleep habits and reduce your symptoms. Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles that control your breathing, which results in snoring and breathing problems while you sleep. Smoking can cause inflammation in your airway, making breathing harder while you sleep.
Changing your sleeping positions can also help. Try to avoid sleeping on your back and sleep more on your side. An extra pillow can help alleviate pressure on your chest and diaphragm.
USE A HUMIDIFIER
Dry air can be a source of irritation to your respiratory system, and humidifiers help keep moisture in the air. Humidifiers can keep your airways open, help with decongestion, and aid your breathing.
TREAT RELATED CONDITIONS
Problems with proper breathing while trying to sleep can be due to nasal congestion, sinus infection, or other respiratory conditions. Nasal sprays, breathing strips, and other methods of care for your sinus and nasal issues can also help you sleep better.
We have ways to help you with sleep apnea and other conditions that affect your sleep, but the tips mentioned in this blog can also help you get your condition under control and get better rest. If you’re struggling with sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, make an appointment with Sonoran Sleep Center to get help. Call our office or book online today.