If you feel tired all the time, you may blame a busy schedule. But the real problem may be that you’re not getting enough restful sleep. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your airway repeatedly becomes blocked during the night. This causes you to briefly awaken gasping for air. Because this happens many times, it negatively impacts your sleep. It also usually causes snoring, which often disturbs other members of your household. The good news is, it’s possible to fight sleep apnea. You and everyone around you will get a better night’s rest!
At My Dentist, we can help you arrange for a home sleep test. We can also help you sleep better, whether or not you have apnea. That’s because we can provide you with a custom-made mouthguard that will keep your airway clear while you snooze. You’ll breathe easily throughout the night and won’t snore.
Call us today at 856-825-0618 to schedule a sleep apnea consultation in our Millville, NJ office. In the meantime, check out six things you can do to minimize snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms like dry mouth and daytime fatigue:
- Stop Smoking – Smokers are three times more likely than non-smokers to have obstructive sleep apnea. Cigarettes irritate your upper airway, soft palate, tongue, and throat. This causes inflammation which makes you susceptible to airway blockage.
- Change Your Sleep Position – Sleeping on your back tends to worsen sleep apnea symptoms because your soft palate and tongue tend to relax more in this position. It’s better to sleep on your side. Side sleeping offers other health benefits too.
- Lose Weight – According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, more than half of sleep apnea sufferers are overweight. Fat in your neck can affect your breathing. A good way to lose weight is to drink plenty of water and consume more high-fiber foods. Doing this will make you feel full so you eat less.
- Exercise More – Exercising can also help you lose weight. Plus, it can help break up nasal congestion that makes it more difficult to breathe. You can join a gym, but you don’t need to. Just get at least a half hour of moderate activity every day. A brisk walk is fine.
- Keep Your Nose Clear – Nasal obstruction worsens sleep apnea symptoms. Elevate your head while sleeping to help keep your nose clear. You can also use antihistamines and/or nasal strips to keep air passages open. A humidifier in your bedroom can encourage sinus drainage. Applying a product like Vicks VapoRub to your chest at bedtime can also help.
- Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives Before Bedtime – Alcohol and sedatives both relax muscles in your throat, something you don’t want to do if you have sleep apnea. They also make it harder for you to wake up, which will make your body work even harder to clear your airway. Because of this, avoid them for at least a few hours before turning in for the night.
We’re happy to help you fight sleep apnea! Call us today at 856-825-0618.