How to Deal with Sleep Apnea

Millions of Americans are affected by sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where the throat closes and blocks the airway during sleep. It is a potentially fatal disease which was brought into the public eye with the death of football star Reggie White in 2004. Although it is a serious condition, it is easily treated.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. See a doctor if you suspect you have sleep apnea. Symptoms are waking in the middle of the night gasping for breath and fatigue during the day. Your partner might also complain that you are snoring.

2. Go to a sleep study. Most hospitals have a sleep center. You will be hooked up to machines that study your eye movements, heart rate, breathing, leg movement and brain waves while you sleep. If they determine you have sleep apnea, you will most likely be given a CPAP machine.

3. Choose the mask for your CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, machine. Masks can fit over your nose and mouth or the nose only. You can also choose nasal pillows, which are two tubes that go up against the nostrils. If you choose the masks that do not cover the mouth, you will need to wear a strap under your chin to keep your mouth from opening at night.

4. Change your lifestyle to manage sleep apnea symptoms. Getting to a healthy weight, refraining from smoking and avoiding antihistamines before bed can all help.

5. Sleep on your side. Sleeping on your back can make sleep apnea worse.

Resources

• Web MD Sleep Apnea Center

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