Snoring so loud it shakes the walls may indicate sleep apnea. Complications, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke, are possible without treatment. Sleep apnea, although serious, is treatable with medical care and changes your way of life. This is where dental sleep medicine Cooper City FL comes in. If you and your spouse suffer from sleep apnea, these suggestions may help.
1. Take care of your weight
People with sleep apnea often receive weight loss advice from their doctors. Upper-body obesity is associated with higher airway blockage and small nasal passageways. It can lead to stopping breathing abruptly or for extended periods while sleeping.
You can mitigate symptoms of sleep by sticking to a healthy weight. If you are obese, you may avoid upper airway surgery and prolonged CPAP treatment, according to the available research, since losing weight may sometimes cure sleep apnea. However, the condition may return if the weight is regained.
2. Use oral appliances
The jaw or tongue may be repositioned using an oral device to prevent obstructive sleep apnea. Mandibular advancement devices and tongue stabilization devices are the two main types. They bring the tongue or lower jaw forward, making space in the back of the throat. There is a wide price range for these aids, from those available OTC to those that need a dentist’s office visit for fitting. When it comes to treating sleep apnea, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine strongly recommends the use of dental appliances.
3. Avoid using alcohol and tobacco
Modifying your daily routine may help you get more sleep and enhance your overall health. When you drink alcohol, the muscles in your throat, which control your breathing, relax. It may cause sleep disruptions and snoring.
The inflammation and edema of the airways caused by cigarette smoking are similar to those caused by alcohol consumption. It may worsen your snoring and sleep apnea as a result. Smoking increased the likelihood of acquiring sleep apnea in research conducted in 2019. According to the research, those who suffer from sleep apnea may be more prone to smoking, suggesting that curing sleep apnea might aid in kicking the habit.
4. Adjust the humidity in your bedroom
You can use a humidifier to increase humidity in a room. The respiratory system and the skin are particularly sensitive to dry air. A humidifier may help you breathe easier by loosening mucus and opening your airways. Add essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus to a humidifier for further advantages. These three essential oils may reduce inflammation and have a calming effect.
A humidifier in your CPAP machine may be adjusted to your preference. A CPAP humidifier and a second bedroom humidifier might be helpful to some individuals. Always use fresh water and wash or replace the suggested components regularly.
Changes in diet and routine may help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. However, it would help if you didn’t dismiss the value of time-tested methods. Medication and, in extreme cases, surgery is required methods of treatment. Before beginning any alternative therapy, consider speaking with your doctor. Consult with Beaufils Dental for possible alternate therapies.
