People living with sleep apnea often experience difficulties in coping with day to day challenges, due to the effects of poor sleep quality. Our Surrey dentists share some strategies for living well with sleep apnea.
It's important to see a medical professional to have your sleep apnea diagnosed and treated, however there are also a few things you can do to cope with some of the negative effects of this common sleep disorder.
Living Healthfully and Improving Sleep Apnea
Improve Your Diet and Lose Weight
Sleep apnea is more likely to occur in people who are overweight. There is compelling evidence indicating that losing weight could significantly reduce your sleep apnea symptoms.
Patients typically discover that losing weight is easier after having their sleep apnea treated! Don't wait, visit your dentist or doctor to have sleep apnea diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
Increase Exercise
Increased exercise can lead to: more energy, less tension, depression and anxiety, faster weight loss, improved endurance, better muscle tone, lower blood pressure, improved circulation and even a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke!
Increased exercise can also improve the overall quality of your sleep.
Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine Near Bedtime
Alcohol and caffeine can make sleep issues even worse for people suffering from sleep apnea.
To help improve the quality of your sleep, try to avoid alcohol and caffeine for at least 4 hours before going to bed.
If you enjoy drinks containing caffeine or alcohol try to drink them earlier in the day.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, you already know that there are plenty of reasons why you should quit, sleep apnea is yet another. People who smoke face an increased risk of sleep apnea.
Smoking may cause your nose to become irritated and stuffy, which can interfere with the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy.
Dental and Medical Care
When heading to hospital, or dental office for any type of procedure under sedation (anesthesia, “going under”) be sure to notify all of the medical and dental professionals caring for you, that you suffer from sleep apnea.
You should bring along your CPAP machine or dental device if staying in hospital overnight, and be sure to use your device as directed.