Sleep apnea is a common condition, and there are many treatment options available for you at sleep apnea clinics. Sleep apnea causes people to stop breathing on a regular basis while they are sleeping because their throat muscles relax too much. Estimates have found that 18 million Americans have to contend with sleep apnea and 80% of those people are undiagnosed.
If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea will increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Most of the time this condition only makes headlines when there has been a major transportation accident linked to severe sleep deprivation. In fact, research from the University of California, San Diego states that in the year 2000 800,000 drivers were involved in car crashes attributed to this condition. The national commission on sleep disorders research found that roughly 40,000 deaths occur due to cardiovascular problems connected to sleep apnea on an annual basis.Thankfully, with proper tools, you can get a diagnosis, proper treatment, and reduce your risk.
Common symptoms and signs
An acronym with which to remember the common symptoms and signs of sleep apnea is “moose”. This stands for
:→ Male
→ Overweight
→ Older
→ Snorer
→ Excessively sleepy
Of course, you could be a young, thin female who doesn’t snore and doesn’t feel tired and still suffer from this condition. If you have these symptoms or signs, it is imperative that you get checked out by a medical professional.
A sleep lab
When you are evaluated for sleep apnea most of the time, you will visit a physician trained in sleep medicine. This individual might suggest that you undergo a sleep study at an Arlington Sleep Apnea Clinic. Sleep studies are valuable in ascertaining what your habits are and determining the cause of said habits. For many people sleeping overnight in a strange location with wires hooked up to them can be disconcerting. But you can undergo home tests ordered by your physician just as easily if this makes your comfortable.
Once you are found to have sleep apnea, there are many effective treatment options available to you including medical devices and in some cases surgery.
Your medical practitioner will likely recommend that you follow these five lifestyle changes first:
1. Losing weight
If you are overweight, your doctor will suggest that you change your diet and exercise in order to lose weight. Lack of sleep can make it very difficult for someone to lose weight, but losing just five or 10 pounds can make a significant difference.
2. Stop eating late
Eating closer to the time you go to sleep only increases the acid reflux in your throat each time you stop breathing. This is the result of a suctioning effect. This wakes you up more often, and it reduces your sleep quality.
3. Breathing through your nose
Breathing through your nose is important because it prevents you from opening your mouth, which then causes your tongue to fall back and obstructs your breathing. Good nasal breathing will improve your chances of successful sleep apnea treatment. Sometimes it can be effective to use mouth taping or a chinstrap. You can talk to professionals at your Arlington Sleep Apnea Clinic or to your doctor to get more information on which of these might be best for you.
4. Try adding tongue exercises
Tongue exercises have been found to lower the severity of sleep apnea by roughly 50%. It might seem silly and feel odd at first, but it is well worth the improvement.
5. Don’t sleep on your back
Most people who suffer from sleep apnea just simply cannot sleep on their back because gravity causes the time to fall back. Your throat and your tongue muscles become much more relaxed as you reach a deeper state of sleep. If you sleep on your side or on your stomach, you are less likely to wake up repeatedly. If you currently sleep on your back try to train yourself into a new sleeping position as quickly as possible.
