If you’re struggling with the frustration and exhaustion of living with sleep apnea, you’d probably try almost anything to get the complete, comfortable rest you deserve. While sleep apnea therapy from your dentist is an excellent way to open the airway and breathe safely during the night, these five additional life hacks could help you get a better quality rest, naturally.
Sleep on Your Side
Although you can still experience sleep apnea symptoms no matter how your body is positioned, they are more likely to occur if you sleep lying flat on your back. Thus, to reduce their frequency and intensity, it may help if you lay on your side. If you struggle to stay in this position, you may benefit from a side-sleeping backpack, or by attaching tennis balls to the back of a shirt to discourage you from naturally turning while you’re asleep.
Lose Weight, Feel Great
Because being overweight is a major contributor to sleep apnea, losing weight can sometimes help lessen the severity of symptoms. However, please be aware that diet alone may not completely eliminate the condition, so be sure to have an updated sleep test done following any significant weight loss.
Sing or Play a Wind Instrument
Singing and playing wind instruments requires you to use the muscles of the upper airway more so than you would to simply converse, potentially strengthening them in the process. This could help you get a better night’s sleep by helping it stay open, reducing the severity of blockage causing the apneas in the first place.
Elevate Your Head
For those who have more intense sleep apnea symptoms when lying flat, and who struggle to get comfortable resting on their side, it may be beneficial to elevate your head or sleep upright, either in a recliner, propped up with pillows, or with an inclined adjustable bed.
Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers improve the moisture levels in the air, and could potentially reduce congestion and open the airway, making it easier to breathe and lessening the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.
How Your Dentist Can Help
While these home sleep apnea remedies can make a powerful impact in helping you get the air you need while resting, the best thing you can do to improve your sleep apnea symptoms is speak to your dentist about treatment. Oral appliance therapy is a safe, effective way to open the airway manually, so you can get the rest you deserve without the frustration of uncomfortable solutions like CPAP. To learn more about this treatment, stop tossing and turning and call your dentist today for a consultation!
About Our Practice
At iSleepSolutions, Dr. West and Dr. Gorczyca are committed to helping you get a comfortable night’s sleep with the help of oral appliance therapy. If you’re tired of struggling to get the rest you deserve with CPAP, there’s a better way. To learn more about how this treatment can help you, schedule a consultation for sleep apnea today by visiting our website or calling 702-602-2000.
.