What Lifestyle Changes Can Assist in Managing Sleep Apnea?

Do you have trouble breathing at night? Sleep apnea can lead to poor quality of sleep and other health-related issues. While medical treatments are available for managing sleep apnea in Cedar City, UT, making a few lifestyle changes can help improve your condition. Common strategies include weight loss, exercise, changing your sleep position, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and quitting smoking.

Below, Dr. Robert D. Pearson describes these lifestyle changes in more detail. Call Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat to book an appointment and learn about options like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Weight loss

Being overweight or obese is a common risk factor for sleep apnea. Excess weight puts too much pressure on the airways and causes them to collapse. Losing weight has been known to improve sleep apnea symptoms like trouble breathing. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Follow a healthy and balanced diet: Avoid crash diets and focus on incorporating more fruits, veggies, and whole grains into your meals. These nutrient-dense foods help you feel fuller for longer and prevent overeating.
• Cut back on sugary and processed foods. These foods are high in calories and have little nutritional value. Limit your intake of soda, candy, chips, and similar snacks. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives like fruit, nuts, and air-popped popcorn.
• Keep track of your portions: Portion control is important for weight loss. Use a food scale to ensure you are not overeating, and use smaller plates and bowls to consume less food.

Exercise

Regular physical exercise promotes weight loss and strengthens the muscles in your body, including the ones in your throat and neck. These muscles help keep your airway open during sleep. Try to incorporate 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine. Go for a morning run, join a fitness class, or swim a few laps at the pool.

Changing your sleep position

Do you sleep on your back every night? Unfortunately, this can worsen sleep apnea symptoms. This is because gravity pulls your tongue and other tissues in the throat toward the back of your mouth, blocking your airways. Sleeping on your side or stomach may reduce this obstruction. If you find it difficult to stay in one position throughout the night, use a body pillow to keep you comfortably aligned.

Avoiding alcohol and caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine relax the muscles in your throat and make them more likely to collapse at night. Avoid drinking alcohol at least four hours before bedtime and limit caffeine intake to earlier in the day. If you have trouble breathing, which makes it hard to fall asleep in Cedar City, UT, try drinking an herbal tea or warm milk before bed.

Quitting smoking

Smoking irritates your throat and leads to inflammation and swelling, making it difficult for air to pass through. It also increases mucus production, which can further block your airway. Quitting smoking improves your health and reduces sleep apnea symptoms. Seek support from your doctor or join a local program for assistance.

CPAP therapy

If lifestyle changes alone cannot manage your sleep apnea, Dr. Pearson may recommend CPAP therapy. A CPAP machine delivers continuous air pressure to keep your airway open throughout the night. Our team can provide guidance on how to use and maintain your device for optimal results.

Improve your quality of sleep

Sleep apnea can impact your life and overall health. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea in Cedar City, UT, contact Canyon View Ear, Nose & Throat to book an appointment with Dr. Robert D. Pearson. Our custom recommendations can help manage your condition and improve your quality of sleep.