Sleep apnea is quite common, yet it is a serious disorder of sleep. It can occur when a person is sleeping and the upper airway gets blocked repeatedly. Sometimes, the brain along with the rest of the body does not get sufficient oxygen resulting in completely stopping of or reduction of the airflow. When you have this disorder, the airflow to the lungs stops for ten seconds or longer. This is the time when you do not breathe at all. Not only adults but this sleep disorder can affect children as well. There are various sleep apnea treatment options available, but first, let us have a look at the two main types of sleep apnea:
- Central sleep apnea is when the airway does not get blocked. Due to the instability in the affected person’s respiratory control center, the brain does not give any signal to the muscles for breathing.
- OSA or Obstructive sleep apnea is where the airway gets blocked. It usually happens when the soft tissue located at the back of your throat collapses while sleeping.
This sleep disorder is treatable. Wondering how to cure sleep apnea? Well, before moving forward to the sleep apnea treatment part, here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of having it.
- Snoring accompanied with choking or gasping sound while sleeping (the main symptom)
- Poor concentration
- Depressed mood
- Constant tiredness
- Weight gain
- Night sweats
- Sexual dysfunction
- Lack of energy
- Urinating frequently at night
- Forgetfulness
Well, it is better to keep in mind that all the above-mentioned symptoms are not always related to sleep apnea. Hence, to get the right diagnosis, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
If you do not get the necessary remedies for sleep apnea, this disorder can increase the chances of other serious health issues including:
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Headaches
- Irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and heart attacks
- Worsening condition of ADHD
- Depression and much more
Also, it can affect the performance of the daily activities of a person. Here is a list of the natural treatment options for this sleep disorder. Read on and know how to cure sleep apnea.
Changing sleeping position
Various medical research reports have reflected the fact that most of the times, a small change in the sleeping position can help in reducing the symptoms of sleep disorder and improve the night’s rest. According to some medical studies, the habit of sleeping on the back (known as supine position) can worsen the situation. Sleeping on the back can block the airways and can increase the snoring. This is mostly true for adults. Hence, you can try sleeping on the side.
In the case of children, sleeping on the back can help them in getting better sleep. Talk to a medical expert regarding your sleeping position to know how to cure sleep apnea that you are having.
Yoga
If you exercise regularly, it will not only help in improving sleep apnea but also in strengthening the heart and boosting the energy level. If you do yoga on a regular basis, the oxygen flow within the body will get better and the respiratory strength will improve significantly. According to the doctors, different breathing techniques can help in sleep apnea.
Healthy weight
If you have a problem with obesity, the risks of blocked airways and narrow nasal passages are increased. Hence, it is advisable to maintain a healthy weight. Various medical studies have reflected the fact that those who are suffering from overweight and wondering how to cure sleep apnea, losing weight is one of the most effective ways to get rid of it. In case someone regains weight, there is a high chance that the problem of sleep apnea will come back.
Use dental or oral appliances for sleep apnea
According to the different medical research reports, instead of wearing the CPAP mask, the patients get more comfort in using oral appliances for sleep apnea. These devices help in keeping the tongue in a proper position so that the airway is not blocked. Also, these appliances can slide the patient’s jaw forward for comfort breathing while sleeping. A sleep apnea mouth guard can also be used in this case.
Get rid of smoking and alcohol
Lifestyle changes like limiting the intake of alcohol and getting rid of smoking play a major role in treating the problems of sleep apnea. Tobacco can cause swollen airways and inflammation, which can worsen the problems of snoring along with the sleep apnea. Similarly, alcohol relaxes your throat muscle, which controls the breathing. It can lead to an interrupted sleep cycle and snoring. Hence, quitting smoking and limiting the alcohol intake is advisable for sleep apnea affected people.
If you are having the symptoms of this sleep disorder, consult a medical expert for the right diagnosis. Your doctor can give you the best guidance on how to cure sleep apnea.
