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Step 1
Sleep on your side instead of your back. Sleeping on your back blocks airways more than sleeping on your side. Doctors have determined that blocked airways leads to sleep apnea.
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Step 2
Raise the head of the bed. Elevation also helps to keep airways unobstructed.
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Step 3
Lose weight, if you're overweight and suffer from sleep apnea. Less weight results in less strain on your body. Excess weight is a major factor in sleep apnea.
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Step 4
Use a breathing device to keep your airways from becoming blocked. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is worn while you sleep, feeding air through a mask to keep airways clear.
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Step 5
Undergo surgery to open up air passages. A common surgery is an uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, where tissue is removed from the back of the mouth and throat. It's successful in stopping sleep apnea in nearly half of those who undergo the surgery.










