Sleep apnea is one of the most serious sleep disorders that can affect people from all different age groups. Usually, people with sleep apnea are not even aware that they are suffering from the said medical condition. In fact, sleep apnea has no known treatment, however, there are medical treatment methods and even natural remedies that can help in reducing and improving symptoms of sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a type of medical condition that can cause different types of sleep disorders. Here are some of the common symptoms that can be exhibited by people with sleep apnea.
- Excessive Daytime Drowsiness
- Several Apneic (cessation of breathing) episodes during sleep
- Waking unrefreshed and tired every morning
- Morning and/or Night Headaches
- Heartburn
- Sweating and Chest Pains during Sleep
- Loud Snoring
- Restless during sleep
- Gasping or Choking Spells during Sleep
Natural Remedies of Sleep Apnea
Natural remedies, include herbal remedies for sleep apnea can’t cure the sleep disorder itself. It can only help in reducing symptoms of sleep apnea and improving sleep quality. Here are 5 common natural remedies for sleep apnea:
- If you are overweight, obese, or have a BMI greater than 30, then you are at a higher risk of sleep apnea. Losing some weight healthily can help in reducing risk of sleep apnea and it can also help in relieving obstruction sleep apnea, thus improving breathing quality during sleep. Following a regular and healthy exercise program and diet can help in losing weight healthily.
- Avoid drinking muscle relaxants if you think you are suffering from sleep apnea or if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea. Muscle relaxants can aggravate blockage to the upper airway, since it can cause the throat to relax and fall back to cause obstruction.
- As much as possible, avoid drinking any alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is also a muscle relaxant that can possibly aggravate obstruction to the throat.
- Avoid sleeping at least 4 hours before you go to bed. Eating just before going to bed can cause heartburn or acid reflux to your esophagus, which is believed to be associated with sleep apnea.
- Try to sleep with your head and upper body slightly elevated (at least 30 degrees). Sleeping with the upper body slightly elevated can help in preventing further blockage of the airway that is associated with sleep apnea.
