Due to poor quality of sleep, people living with sleep apnea often experience difficulties in coping with day to day challenges. Here are some strategies for living well with sleep apnea.
Only a medical professional can diagnose and treat your sleep apnea, but there are also a number of things you can do to cope with some of the negative daytime affects of this common condition.
Living Healthfully and Improving Sleep Apnea
Improve Your Diet and Lose Weight
People with sleep apnea are more likely than the general population to be overweight. Evidence suggests that if you lose weight your sleep apnea symptoms may be significantly reduced.
Patients often find it easier to lose weight after having their sleep apnea treated! Visit your dentist or doctor to have sleep apnea diagnosed and treated.
More Exercise
Exercise may help to make you feel better in a number of ways.
Increased exercise can lead to: improved endurance, better muscle tone, more energy, less tension, depression and anxiety, faster weight loss, lower blood pressure, improved circulation and even a reduced risk of stroke and heart attack.
Dental and Medical Care
If you’re scheduled to undergo a sedated (anesthesia, “going under”) dental or medical procedure, be sure to notify all of the medical and dental professionals caring for you, that you suffer from sleep apnea.
Bring your CPAP machine or dental device with you if you will be staying in hospital overnight, and be sure to use it as directed.
Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine Near Bedtime
If you suffer from sleep apnea, alcohol and caffeine can make sleep issues even more difficult.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine for at least 4 hours before going to sleep, in order to improve the quality of your sleep. If you enjoy drinks with caffeine or alcohol try to drink them earlier in the day, along with a meal.
Quit Smoking
Smoking comes along with an increased risk of sleep apnea. Your nose may become irritated and stuffy due to smoking, which can interfere with the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy. Quitting smoking may help you to get a good nights sleep.