Use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers.
These substances relax the muscles in your throat, which can worsen obstructive sleep apnea.
Some common over-the-counter (OTC) medications can worsen untreated sleep apnea or increase the chance of developing sleep apnea in individuals already at risk. These OTC medications include antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms. Common brand-name antihistamines include Allegra, Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec.
A breathing device, such as a CPAP machine, is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine provides constant air pressure in your throat to keep the airway open when you breathe in.
There is good news. Upper airway stimulation therapy using a hypoglossal nerve stimulator is an option for people who are unable to tolerate their CPAPs. It's been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks and headgear come in many styles and sizes to comfortably treat your sleep apnea. Everyone has different needs, preferences and face shapes, and sometimes you will need to try different mask styles before you find the one that works the best for you.
Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by relaxed upper airway muscles. Melatonin gets your body ready for sleep, in part, by relaxing your muscles. So, when you take melatonin and have sleep apnea, you're making your upper airway muscles sag even more, worsening your sleep apnea.
Antihistamines are also sometimes used as sleeping aids. These drugs affect a histamine receptor that helps you stay awake. 3 Taking antihistamines can induce sleepiness and relax breathing muscles, possibly making untreated sleep apnea worse or increasing the chance of developing sleep apnea if you are at risk.
If you undergo surgery, it will take several days to recover. If you are using CPAP, it will take some time before you notice the positive effects of the treatment. Averagely, the effects will start showing around three months, and full recovery can be up to a year.
Sleeping on Your Side. Side sleeping is better for reducing sleep apnea than back sleeping. Research shows that in many cases, sleeping on your side can significantly reduce breathing disruptions. View Source from both OSA and CSA.
Bananas. Bananas are a great source of fiber and potassium. However, if you have sleep apnea, you may want to think twice before snacking on one. Like high-fat dairy products, bananas can increase your mucus production, which can aggravate sleep apnea-related breathing problems.
Studies show that patients who develop sleep apnea before the age of fifty have a life expectancy between 8 and 18 years. Fortunately lifestyle changes, treatment, and other interventions can improve the life expectancy of someone with sleep apnea.
More than usual daytime sleepiness. Waking up with a dry throat or headache. Waking up often during the night. Difficulty concentrating or mood changes during the day.
Their findings showed that anyone with OSA is at risk for having low levels of magnesium and improving those levels may help in the treatment of both OSA and magnesium deficiency. More research is, of course, needed to be sure, but it's safe to say magnesium helps OSA.
Can Melatonin Make Sleep Apnea Worse? The answer is yes. Melatonin and sleep apnea are not a good combination. Therefore, taking melatonin while using a CPAP machine is also not a good combination.
As with obstructive sleep apnea, alternatives to CPAP may include other PAP devices like a BiPAP or ASV machine. The optimal device depends on the nature of your breathing patterns and what is causing your CSA.
CPAP is the “gold standard” of sleep apnea treatment. The machines are typically covered by insurance. The CPAP is appropriate for moderate to severe sleep apnea, which oral devices may not be able to correct. Also available in smaller sizes for travel.
Lifestyle habits: Drinking alcohol and smoking can raise your risk of sleep apnea. Alcohol can make the muscles of your mouth and throat relax, which may close your upper airway. Smoking can cause inflammation in your upper airway, which affects breathing. Obesity: This condition is a common cause of sleep apnea.
Although more studies are required, honey has shown promising results in reducing sleep apnea. It contains inflammatory properties that may reduce any swelling blocking the airways. Also, honey is a natural lubricant that will relax your throat area, allowing smoother airflow.
People with mild sleep apnea may find that home remedies, such as lifestyle changes, help decrease their symptoms. View Source . However, people with moderate to severe sleep apnea typically need medical interventions.
You need a healthy diet
Your main goal with your Sleep Apnea Weight Loss Diet: fewer calories, more nutrients. It means you want to mostly eat: vegetables, fresh fruit, unprocessed whole grains, lean proteins, and low fat and nonfat dairy products.