Things You'll Need:
- Mask
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine
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Step 1
Make a commitment to live a healthier lifestyle by losing weight, quitting smoking and reducing your overall alcohol intake. Doing each of these things can decrease the symptoms of sleep apnea.
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Step 2
Sleep on your side, instead of your back. This helps to open up the back of your throat while you sleep, reducing the chance of your airways closing and providing a more adequate amount of oxygen to your body.
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Step 3
Ask your doctor about continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment. This equipment includes a machine and a mask that help to keep the airflow constant through your respiratory system.
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Step 4
Have someone, such as a spouse or a family member, monitor you while you sleep. He or she can help you if your breathing stops during the night, rolling you over on your side. This solution is just temporary, however, as medical treatment is preferable.
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Step 5
Consider one of the many types of surgery designed to reduce the tissue in the back of the throat. Having your tonsils or adenoids removed may help you reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of sleep apnea.
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Step 6
Follow up with your doctor or sleep specialist concerning any changes, whether positive or negative, in your sleep apnea symptoms. This will help your medical professional to isolate the methods that are helping you the most.
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Step 7
Visit Shuteye.com for sleep news (see Resources below). This website has information about sleep solutions and healthy sleep, as well as a sleep assessor.
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Step 8
Learn about getting evaluated for sleep apnea on the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) website (see Resources below).
