Rest Easy with These Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a frustrating health problem that can cause a person to wake up more than a hundred times in a single night in severe cases, and sleep apnea treatment from a qualified dentist is often the best way to resolve this issue. However, there are a few excellent home remedies available that may be able to reduce your symptoms and help you enjoy better rest. Here’s a quick look at how sleep apnea affects the body as well as a few ways to find temporary relief at home.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by the airway becoming constricted during sleep due to the weight of the relaxing muscle and fat tissues in the neck. This cuts off the body’s supply of air, which will cause the sleeper to wake up suddenly due to not getting enough oxygen. These interruptions of sleep can happen tens of times or even more than a hundred times in a single night, and they may set a person up for a host of unpleasant issues like:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Depression
• Overeating
• Dependence on stimulants like caffeine or nicotine
• Falling asleep when operating heavy machinery

How Can I Treat Sleep Apnea at Home?

The best way to address your sleep apnea is probably to seek help from a qualified dentist who can set you up with a customized oral appliance designed to help your airway stay open when you sleep. However, you may be able to find temporary relief by employing methods like:

• Propping your head up: Sleeping in a recliner or with your head propped up with pillows and cushions can allow gravity to pull the relaxing tissues in your neck away from your windpipe, which can decrease frequency of apnea events.
• Aromatherapy: While this method is not scientifically confirmed, many people claim that using aromatic essential oils such as lavender helps them enjoy better rest.
• Regular exercise: Frequent vigorous physical activity will teach your cardiovascular system to work more efficiently and make it easier to enjoy better rest at night.
• Kicking bad habits: Refraining from tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption will make it easier to breathe and set you up for better sleep.

Don’t let sleep apnea deprive you of the rest you need to enjoy your day. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to get adequate rest.

About the Practice

Weldon Dental of Rome offers the finest oral healthcare in town. Led by Drs. Ryan and Leigh, the staff treats each patient with exemplary courtesy and compassion in a warm and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include dental implants, pediatric dentistry, and sleep apnea services. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, contact the practice online or dial (706) 232-2082.