Can I Treat Sleep Apnea Myself?

Sleep apnea is a serious condition. People who have sleep apnea are at risk for a range of health problems including heart problems, increased risk of stroke, and more. Your sleep professional in Alabaster, AL can help.

In this article, we’ll tell you more about sleep apnea and go over some of the lifestyle changes you can make to improve your sleep apnea. While most people need professional help for their sleep apnea, some lifestyle changes can help with this condition.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition wherein a person stops breathing briefly while they’re asleep. To resume breathing, the person must wake up. Sleep apnea is disruptive to essential sleep cycles and can leave you feeling irritable and unfocused. Over time, sleep apnea can affect your health and leave you at risk for other serious conditions.

How Can I Tell If I Have Sleep Apnea?

There are many symptoms of sleep apnea to watch for, including:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping while sleeping
• Tired even after sleeping for 8 hours at a time
• Irritability
• Difficulty focusing throughout the day

Many people don’t know they have sleep apnea unless their sleep partner alerts them to their snoring. If your spouse or sleep partner has reported that you snore loudly, talk to a sleep professional about sleep apnea.

Can I Treat Myself For Sleep Apnea?

There are many lifestyle changes you can make that can help with sleep apnea. Some changes include:

• Stop smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit your alcohol intake, especially before bed
• Avoid caffeine before bed
• Get plenty of exercise during the day

While these are all lifestyle changes that you can make on your own, it’s best to work with a sleep professional to ensure that these changes are implemented safely and effectively. At Alabama Dental Sleep and Wellness, we provide sleep apnea treatment in Alabaster, AL. We can help you with your sleep apnea! Call today to make an appointment and learn more about what we can do to help with your sleep apnea.