Snoring may be funny in a cartoon, but in real life, it can be a symptom of devastating sleep apnea. Snoring interferes with breathing and oxygen flow, causing the sleeper to wake many times as they sleep.
Inadequate sleep is linked to many other health problems, such as depression, moodiness, weight gain, and others. People with sleep apnea can do something to complement medical treatment. The following home remedies may assist in reducing snoring, assist breathing, and keep a sufferer of sleep apnea from waking during sleep.
==> Do not eat or drink anything two hours before going to bed.
==> Go to the toilet before going to bed.
==> Raise the "head" end of your bed about four inches. Bricks, a large book, or some wooden blocks can work if they are large and strong enough. Make sure the bed will not fall off these supports, causing injury. If you do not want to raise your entire bed, just raise your mattress.
==> Elevate yourself with extra pillows. Laying flat on your back can worsen sleep apnea by causing your airway to collapse, obstructing your airway, and promoting snoring. Elevating yourself with extra pillows may help keep this from happening.
==> Sleep on your side rather than sleeping on your back. If it is difficult to stay on your side, think about placing a pillow or something behind your back, preventing you from rolling onto your back. Hugging a pillow is another way to keep you on your side.
==> Nasal strips that stick on the outside of the nose, opening the nasal passages may be of assistance to some people suffering with sleep apnea. They may feel a little uncomfortable and may look a little strange, but they do help some people.
==> If you have allergies, change your bed linens regularly, removing allergens that may irritate nasal passages and promote snoring. Many people with sleep apnea also have allergies. Vacuuming the floor, curtains and anything else dusty in the room will help, too.
==> Take a decongestant or antihistamine if congested before going to bed.
==> Quit smoking. Smoking causes irritation in the throat and airway.
==> Gargle with peppermint mouthwash. This old-fashioned home remedy is supposed to shrink the nose lining, opening the airway.
==> Drink nettle tea to calm inflammation caused by allergies.
==> Lose weight. Reducing your weight can lessen or even cease your snoring.
==> Eat and live well.
==> Place a tennis ball in a sock and sew it to the back of your pajamas. If you turn onto your back during sleep, you will feel uncomfortable and your natural response will be to turn on your side and off your back. After a while, muscle memory may keep you on your side. This may sound strange, but it is an effective home treatment for sleep apnea.
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