Most adults should feel well-rested after eight hours of sleep. If you're sleeping more and still feeling tired all day, your sleep quality may be poor. Participating in a sleep study can help you get to the bottom of your sleep problems. During a sleep study, you will be observed overnight. Sleep technicians will measure your sleep quality and find out why you're not achieving the rest your body needs. Many people who participate in sleep studies are found to have sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common forms of this disorder. People with obstructive sleep apnea stop breathing in their sleep because tissues in their bodies block their airway. Obstructive sleep apnea may be caused by your tongue or even the muscles in your throat if they relax too deeply during your sleep. A deviated septum in your nose may also be to blame. Knowing that you have sleep apnea is the first step to getting treatment. Here are three treatments that can ensure you breathe easy all through the night.
1. Mouthguard
Mouthguards can be made by a dentist for any number of reasons. Some people have mouthguards made to keep them from grinding their teeth at night. However, a mouthguard can help alleviate your obstructive sleep apnea. A mouthguard made for this purpose will keep your teeth in a forward position, which can keep your soft palate from collapsing from lack of tension in the night.
2. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Continuous positive airway pressure can be used to gently keep your airway open while you sleep. This pressure is usually provided by a CPAP machine, which is worn over your nose and mouth when you go to bed. The machine blows a gentle stream of oxygen into your nose, which works to keep the muscles of your throat and soft palate from relaxing too thoroughly. If your doctor thinks you can benefit from a CPAP machine, they can provide one to you for rent or purchase. Initially, it may be difficult to adjust to a CPAP machine, but over time, you should find that it greatly improves your sleep quality.
3. Personal Changes
In some cases, personal changes can reduce the severity of your sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is more likely to affect people who are overweight. By watching what you eat and exercising more, you may be able to minimize your sleep apnea symptoms naturally.
For more information about obstructive sleep apnea treatment, consult with an ENT doctor in your area.
Share19 January 2020
If breathing has become an issue for you, rest assured--you aren't alone. Millions of Americans struggle to breathe in a healthy way, which can create a lot of problems when it comes to doing other things, such as exercising or sleeping in a healthy way. Fortunately, there are doctors who specialize in the nose and throat, clearing passages and helping patients to retain their level of comfort. On this blog, you will find great information about ear, nose, and throat therapies, because you never know what you might encounter tomorrow. Check out these posts to find out great things about medical care.