How do you control your sleep apnea?
Does taking naps make you sleep apnea worse or better> ??
My husband has sleep apnea, mild to high condition. 28 years old, smoker, 20 lbs over weight, no significant excersize daily.
What are some ways to help ruduce his tiredness, and also improve his condition??
Tagged with: 28 years • excersize • naps • sleep • tiredness
Filed under: Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Sorry this is long, but hopefully helpful.
There are several things that can cause sleep apnea. There are three types: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea.
A blockage or narrowing of the airways in your nose, mouth, or throat generally causes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This usually occurs when the throat muscles and tongue relax during sleep and partially block the airway. Smoking can inflame the tissues of the throat increasing the risk of blockage. His weight can be a factor as well. This is the most common type.
Central sleep apnea is caused by a dysfunction in the thalamus area of the brain and the mechanism that controls your breathing.
Mixed apnea is a disorder that combines obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. There is both obstruction of the air passages and dysfunction of the brain.
Since there are different types and causes, for one to simply say "slim down and quit smoking and it will go away" is an ill informed response. While it is true that the situation could improve by doing this, it isn't always the answer. Your husband need to be diagnosed if he hasn't been already.
the most common treatment for sleep apnea is the
use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. You have to have a prescription from your docotor to get one.
Other treatments may include mouth pieces to keep the jaws aligned, medication to signal the mechanism to breathe, and/or surgery. Your doctor can discuss treatment options with you and your husband.
Things you and your husband can do at home (remember that sleep apnea is serious and can lead to death, so work with your doc on these):
Sew a pocket on the back of his pajama top and insert a tennis ball. This will help keep him from rolling on to his back.
Raise the head of the bed (not with pillows, but with bricks under the legs of the bed frame) at least six inches.
Try to avoid taking sedatives or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. This can make the apnea worse and leave him more exhausted the next day.
Taking naps, to my knowledge, doesn't affect the apnea itself, but can be disruptive of his regular sleep cycle. Sugar, caffine, and nicotine can too. It is important to try to keep a regular sleeping habit (going to bed and getting up at the same time everyday). I know this is probably hard for him since he doen't feel rested, but it will help the body learn when to rest at proper times.
Hope the answered your question and was helpful. Again sorry so long.
If he will lose the weight, I bet his apnea will go away. The extra weight is causing the problem.
naps if anything will make sleep apnea worse,
get rid of the smokes,get rid of the weight,a little exercise and some healthy eating.
if that does'nt work first,ask your de about a c-pap machine
I use the C PAP machine. I have severe sleep apnea. It is a last resort type deal. I can assure you to do everything you can to not have to wear it. It is very uncomfortable.
Insomnia (sleeplessness) is due to stress, dietary and medical
problems. By making small lifestyle changes like having a fixed
daily routine, relaxing and eating properly, insomnia can be
cured. I found the information at http://tinyurl.com/jfzpz useful
for getting sleep.