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Sleep Apnea Home Treatments
Snoring may be humorous in a cartoon, but in real life, it can be a symptom of devastating sleep apnea. Snoring interferes with breathing and oxygen flow, causing the person to wake many times as they sleep.
Inadequate sleep is linked to many other health problems, including depression, moodiness, weight gain, and more. People with sleep apnea can do something to work alongside medical treatment. The following home remedies may assist in reducing snoring, promote breathing, and keep a sufferer of sleep apnea from waking during sleep.
==> Do not eat or drink anything two hours before going to bed.
==> Go to the toilet before going to bed.
==> Elevate the "head" end of your bed about four inches. Bricks, a large book, or some wooden blocks can work if they are big and strong enough. Ensure the bed will not fall off these supports, resulting in injury. If you do not wish to raise your entire bed, just raise your mattress.
==> Elevate yourself with extra pillows. Laying flat on your back can aggravate sleep apnea by causing your airway to collapse, blocking your airway, and promoting snoring. Propping yourself up with extra pillows may help keep this from occurring.
==> Sleep on your side rather than sleeping on your back. If it is difficult to remain on your side, think about putting a pillow or something behind your back, preventing you from rolling onto your back. Hugging a pillow is another way to keep you on your side.
==> Nasal strips that stick on the outside of the nose, opening the nasal passages may assist some people suffering with sleep apnea. They may be a little uncomfortable and may look a little silly, but they do assist some people.
==> If you suffer from allergies, change your bed linens regularly, removing allergens that may aggravate nasal passages and promote snoring. Many people with sleep apnea also suffer from allergies. Vacuuming the floor, curtains and anything else dusty in the room will help, too.
==> Take a decongestant or antihistamine if blocked up before going to sleep.
==> Quit smoking. Smoking causes irritation in the throat and airway.
==> Gargle with peppermint mouthwash. This old-fashioned home remedy is believed to shrink the nose lining, opening the airway.
==> Drink nettle tea to sooth inflammation caused by allergies.
==> Lose weight. Losing weight can lessen or even cease your snoring.
==> Eat and live well.
==> Place a tennis ball in a sock and attach it to the back of your nightclothes. If you turn onto your back during sleep, it will be uncomfortable and your automatic response will be to turn on your side and off your back. After a time, muscle memory may keep you on your side. This may sound silly, but it is an effective home treatment for sleep apnea.
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