5 Ways to Ease Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms

January 13, 2022

If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, you should certainly seek sleep apnea treatment from a qualified doctor. They may prescribe a CPAP machine or a custom oral appliance to help you enjoy higher-quality rest. However, while professional care is extremely important in addressing sleep apnea, that doesn’t mean you can’t do some things on your own to ease your symptoms. Let’s talk about a few adjustments you can make to your routine that may help you enjoy easier breathing at night.

Shed Excess Weight

Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for sleep apnea, particularly for individuals who have a large neck circumference. If you have a significant amount of excess body weight, it would be wise to create plan to shed some of those extra pounds. Your physician can help you put together a diet and exercise regimen that will result in healthy weight loss. As you progress in your journey toward healthier weight, you may notice that your sleep apnea symptoms gradually subside.

Give Yoga a Go

Any type of exercise is good because it strengthens the heart and increases energy levels. Yoga in particular is beneficial for sleep apnea sufferers because it includes breathing exercises that improve blood oxygen levels. You might try taking a class or find some videos online to help you get started with yoga.

Change Your Sleeping Position

When you sleep on your back, gravity works against you. It can cause the soft tissues in the throat to obstruct the airway and lead to instances of sleep apnea. You might try sleeping on your side instead. Some people tape a tennis ball to their back to help themselves adapt to the new sleeping position.

Quit Smoking and Cut Back on Alcohol

Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles and can lead to sleep apnea symptoms. It is best to avoid consuming any alcohol in the last few hours before you go to bed. Smoking can also exacerbate sleep apnea because it contributes to swelling and inflammation in the airway. Cutting back on cigarettes — or better yet, quitting altogether — could lead to a dramatic improvement in the quality of your sleep.

Make Sure Your Air Is Moist

Air conditioning can dry out the air in your home, and dry air is an irritant to the respiratory system. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, thereby decreasing congestion and contributing to easier breathing.  Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint, can add to the humidifier’s benefits thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Do you have obstructive sleep apnea? One of the above-listed home remedies, along with professional treatment, may help you find long-lasting relief from your symptoms.

Meet Dr. Mogell

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is an experienced dentist who has spent more than a decade mastering the intricacies of sleep medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. If you would like to learn more about how you can overcome OSA, he would be happy to speak with you. Contact any of our three locations or call us at 321-265-3462.