Sleep apnea affects 20 million American adults. The main cause for this condition is a blockage in the air passage. The problem accelerates or worsens when you sleep on your back. There are treatments to banish nighttime snoring. Some people go for surgical operations when it worsens and goes haywire. One of the popular approaches to treat this condition is through nose vents. Continue reading the blog to know more about snoring, treatments, and preventive measures.
Does Sleep apnea affect men and women differently?
There is evidence backed by science that women need more sleep than men. But women do not show any symptoms of sleep apnea as often as men do but they do experience it at some point. And also women show symptoms differently than men.
Men snore loudly and gasp and startle awake, whereas women experience things like daytime fatigue, depression, and uneasiness.
However, anyone who has shortness of breath experiences snoring.
Things that prevent you from snoring:
1. Have a good sleep cycle: Many Americans suffer from sleep disorders. Having a poor sleep cycle can affect your work, focus, relationships, and health. If you have an old-age pillow that is in poor condition, then it can take away your night’s peaceful sleep. Therefore, get a soft pillow, made of good material.
Some of the pillows you can try are:
- Cool pillows
- Positional pillows
- Water pillows
2. Nose vents: Today there are several anti-snore devices that come in rescue for people who snore. One of the best-reviewed tools from customers is ‘nose vents’– it is especially good for people who have nasal congestion. It clears the air passage and helps you breathe effortlessly. If you combine this device with an anti-snoring pillow and essential oil, then no one could stop you from having a blissful sleep.
3. Positional therapy: Some people get sleep apnea because of their sleeping position. It is especially true when you sleep on your back. Sleeping on your back is called ‘supine position’. The best way to overcome snoring is by sleeping on one side, during when your sleep will return to normal. If you want to know more about sleep positioning, then discuss with your doctor and evaluate your options.
4. Use a humidifier: Dry air can irritate your body and respiratory system. The best option is to use a humidifier. Humidifier is the device that adds moisture to the air and opens your airways, reduces congestion and allows you to breathe easily. To reap extra benefits, try adding essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus oil to a humidifier. Since essential oils are known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits, it sure encourages clear breathing.
5. Use oral appliances: Oral appliances reposition your jaw and tongue and keep the airway open when you are sleeping. Today there are many low-cost, over-the-counter options that are custom-fit. Studies prove that oral appliances as an effective therapy to treat sleep apnea. If you are looking for the best oral appliances, then it’s wise to go for custom-fit appliances rather than OTC options.
6. Avoid alcohol and smoking: Improving lifestyle yields many more benefits than you can imagine. If you are planning on adopting a better lifestyle, then consider quitting smoking and limiting your alcohol consumption. Alcohol plays a major role in controlling your breathing. Overconsumption can lead to a disturbed sleep cycle and can lead to inflammation in the airways and its blockage.
7. Maintain a healthy weight: Many doctors recommend people to lose weight. Fat, particularly in the upper body increases the risk of airway obstruction and narrow nasal passages. Due to which you stop breathing suddenly for some time while sleeping.
Having a healthy weight will keep your airways clear and reduce many symptoms of sleep apnea. This also eliminates the need for surgeries or long-term CPAP therapy. However, once you lose fat, it’s good to put in some effort to maintain it. If you regain weight, it’s possible for the condition to return.
8. Try yoga and exercise: Exercising can boost your energy level, strengthen your heart, and reduce your sleep apnea conditions. People with sleep apnea will have decreased oxygen saturation in the blood. Doing yoga and practicing breathing exercises can improve oxygen levels. Yoga improves respiratory strength and also prevents sleep interruptions.
Surgery
Surgery is the last option when all other treatments fail. Some of the surgical options include as follows:
1. Tissue removal: In this treatment, a doctor removes tissues from the top of your throat and rear of your mouth.
2. Jaw repositioning: The jaw is moved forward to create space behind the tongue and soft palate.
3. Tissue shrinkage: It involves the shrinking of tissue at the rear of the mouth and the back of your throat using radiofrequency ablation.
4. Implants: Soft rods are surgically implanted into a soft palate.
5. Nerve stimulation: Surgery inserts a stimulator for the nerve that majorly controls tongue movement.
6. Creating a new air passage: In this surgery, an opening is made in your neck and then a metal or plastic tube is inserted. This treatment is employed only during a severe condition and when you have a life-threatening sleep apnea condition.
Click here to discover the best sleep apnea devices.