sleep apnea......any natural treatments besides the machine?

Question

Was wondering if there might be some natural treatment for sleep apnea with out having to use the machine that you wear a mask all night and it puts greater inward pressure of air so you lungs fully fill up with air. My mother uses the machine and she wants me to be tested for apnea because of some symptoms I have but I doubt I could get used to wearing something all night. any suggestions.

Answer 1

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.

Symptoms
It is important to emphasize that often, the person who has obstructive sleep apnea does not remember the episodes of apnea during the night. The predominant symptoms are usually associated with excessive daytime sleepiness due to poor sleep during the night. Often, family members, especially spouses, witness the periods of apnea. Symptoms that may be observed include:

* Loud snoring
* Periods of not breathing (apnea)
* Awakening not rested in the morning
* Abnormal daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep at inappropriate times
* Morning headaches
* Recent weight gain
* Limited attention
* Memory loss
* Poor judgment
* Personality changes
* Lethargy

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

* Hyperactive behavior, especially in children
* High blood pressure
* Automatic behavior (performing actions by rote)
* Leg swelling (if severe)

Weight management (or intentional weight loss) and avoiding alcohol and sedatives at bedtime may relieve sleep apnea in some individuals. If these measures are unsuccessful in stopping sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a form of mechanical breathing assistance that involves the use of a specially-designed mask worn over the nose or nose and mouth at night, may be prescribed.

Mechanical devices inserted into the mouth at night to keep the jaw forward may be useful in mild to moderate cases.

Surgery to remove excess tissue at the back of the throat (called a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or UPPP), to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids (see tonsillectomy), or to create an opening in the trachea to bypass the obstructed airway during sleep (tracheostomy), may be helpful if anatomical causes are present. In some people, surgery to remove blockage of the nose or upper throat may relieve sleep apnea.

Removing enlarged tonsils or adenoids may be all that is necessary in children to cure obstructive sleep apnea.

Answer 2

It really depends on what's causing the sleep disturbances. The formation of a person's teeth can cause them to have restricted air flow while sleeping because when fully relaxed, the tongue, if not in a normal position, can relax too much, partially blocking your airway. If this is the case, then a mouth guard that football players wear can help. This puts a small gap between your teeth, and the gaps in just the right place to allow your tongue to fall into it's natural place. Sporting goods stores carry the mouth guards. If it's because your nasal passages tend to close shut while you're sleeping, try some BreatheRight nose strips. Even with a cold, those little things do wonders holding open your sinuses. You can also try sleeping on your side with a body pillow. Sometimes a person's muscles, breasts, or just body fat will put pressure on the chest while sleeping on your back, causing you to breathe less efficiently. Of course, don't sleep on your stomach as this restricts your chest from expanding fully. You can even try sleeping on your back, with something under your top mattress so the head of your bed is elevated. You can also try taking an expectorant syrup to see if that helps. An expectorant, or even something like guifanesin (Mucinex) will help open the airways. But always take these will a full glass of water for best results. The again, if you have a true case of sleep apnea (not related to an outside factor like those listed above), like the type an infant would have, well there's nothing that can really be done if a CPAP machine wont work because your mind is not sending signals correctly, and you're forgetting to breathe.

Answer 3

Hi Bactian, there are a range of treatments available for sleep apnea (including surgery in particularly severe cases), but in the vast majority of cases your quality of life can be improved considerably with a few simple lifestyle changes and natural remedies. Indeed, in mild cases, this is often all that is needed.

If you’re overweight then this is undoubtedly contributing to your problem. Losing just a few pounds can make a significant difference.

Alcohol relaxes your throat muscles and this makes it much easier for these muscles to ‘collapse’ during sleep and block your airway. You should restrict your intake and certainly cut out alcohol in the three or four hours before going to bed.

Sleeping pills can also relax your throat muscles and cause similar problems to those seen for alcohol.

Smoking inflames your nasal tissues causing them to swell and restrict your nasal airway. You should reduce your smoking during the evening.

Also make sure that your bedroom conditions are set for sleep (the right temperature, quiet, dark etc.)
Jason Homan

Answer 4

Sleep apnea is a serious condition. Losing weight might help if you are overweight. You can also try those Breathe Right strips that hold your nasal passages open.

Answer 5

interesting points ,if anyone else wants to discover how to cure sleep apnea at home try Imforda Sleep Expert Guide(do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my buddy got great results with it

Answer 6

I used the breath right strips. It stopped me from snoring and I noticed right away that the next day I felt as is I had really rested the night before.

I slept so deeply that first night that I don't think I rolled over once the entire night.

These of course are not 'natural' but the benefits are enormous in my case. i suggest anyone who snores give them a try.

They also have a gargle or spray available. below in the source section is a printable coupon for $2.00 off

Answer 7

Lose weight. People with sleep apnea tend to be overweight.

Answer 8

hey ,if anyone else wants to uncover alternative sleep apnea treatments try Imforda Sleep Expert Guide( search on google ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my mate got cool results with it.

Answer 9

I\'m not sure but ,if anyone else wants to learn about how to cure sleep apnea on your own try Imforda Sleep Expert Guide(do a google search ) ? Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my co-worker got great success with it.

Answer 10

I don't know how much you way but the majority of people who were them are overweight so losing weight is one option.