Our Surrey dentists at ProActive Dental Studio understand how challenging day-to-day activities can be for patients suffering from the effects of sleep apnea. Today our dentists share some tips to help you live well if you have mild sleep apnea.
If you think that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, it's important to visit your doctor for a professional diagnosis. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that requires professional treatment.
That said, if you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) there are lifestyle changes that may help you to sleep better each night. Lifestyle changes may not work for everyone, be sure to speak to your doctor or dentist in order to find out if these changes may be right for you.
Living Well with Sleep Apnea
Lose Weight
People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Evidence suggests that losing just 10% body weight can reduce sleep apnea symptoms by as much as 30% in some people.
Patients often find that losing weight becomes easier once their sleep apnea has been diagnosed and treatment begins. Visit your Surrey dentist or your family doctor to have sleep apnea diagnosed, so that appropriate treatment can begin to help you to sleep better at night.
Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine Near Bedtime
Both caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep and worsen the symptoms of sleep apnea.
To help improve the quality of your sleep, avoid alcohol and caffeine for at least 4 hours before going to sleep.
Quit Smoking
Smokers face an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. If you smoke, you are already aware of the countless health reasons to quit, reducing your sleep apnea symptoms is yet another.
Smoking may cause your nose to become irritated and stuffy, which can interfere with the effectiveness of CPAP therapy.
If you are suffering from the effects of sleep apnea, and trying to improve the quality of your sleep, perhaps now is the time to quit smoking.
Increase Daily Exercise
Increasing your daily amount of exercise offers a number of overall health benefits and can help you to improve the quality of your sleep.
Benefits of increased exercise include:
- reduced feelings of depression and anxiety
- faster weight loss
- increased energy
- improved endurance
- less tension
- reduced risk of heart attack and stroke
- better muscle tone
- lower blood pressure
- improved circulation