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Sleep Apnea Treatments And Prevention

by Andre Daniels

One of the most important parts of your day is when you crawl into bed and sleep. Sleep is a very important part of your health, and, unfortunately, many people are not able to get a good night sleep. There are many problems that arise from an unrestful series of nights. Stress, anxiety, and other negative affects have been proven to stem from sleepiness. You may be suffering from sleep apnea. It is very important for you to get a good night sleep so you can reach optimal health. Here are just a few ways that you can help treat or prevent sleep apnea.

Lose Weight

When you are asleep you may snore terribly, or find that you are short of breath. It is possible that the extra weight that you have on your body may be obstructing your airway. It is going to be very important for you to obtain a more healthy weight. This has many positive health benefits, but it is very important for your sleep. Now, losing weight does not have to be a terrible experience. You may want to look into getting nutrition counseling and find a fun exercise program. These are just a few ways to lose some of the extra weight and start sleeping better. 

Stop Smoking And Drinking Alcohol

A trend noticed by doctors is that many individuals who smoke or use alcohol excessively are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. Alcohol is like a grenade in the brain and affects many different parts of the brain that make it hard for the brain to fully get the rest that it needs. Cigarettes contain nicotine which relaxes some of the muscles in your throat. When the muscles in your throat relax they are much more likely to collapse during sleep, and cut off your airway. When your airway is cut off you are much more likely to wake up from lack of oxygen.

Sleep On Your Side 

The problem can often be solved by simply sleeping on your side. This is because the throat is less likely to collapse when you are on your side. When sleeping on your back gravity is having a more dramatic effect on your throat. It can be hard to start sleeping on your side, but it can help a great deal. Try using a pillow between your legs to help align your back. If you regularly sleep with someone, ask them to help you. 

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