Tips for Helping with Sleep Apnea

When discussing sleep apnea, especially in the more serious cases, the implementation of a breathing machine to provide constant positive airway pressure (CPAP) is often used at night during the sleep cycle. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea which occurs when the throat muscles relax. Many don’t realize that the issue can often be treated by executing a better selfcare routine which should be the starting point before more invasive measures are taken. Here are a few natural tips for helping with sleep apnea.

Maintaining Healthy Weight

One of the major contributing factors of apnea is obesity (specifically in the upper body). This can obstruct the airway and narrow the nasal passages, consequently increasing risk. Because these obstructions can cause breathing to stop suddenly or for certain lengths of time during the sleep cycle, maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.

Practicing Yoga

Regular exercise is good for us in general because it increases our energy levels and strengthens the heart. Yoga and can improve respiratory strength and oxygen flow. Because sleep apnea has to do with a decreased saturation of oxygen in the blood, yoga’s effects can improve those levels. Various breathing exercises can reduce sleep interruptions.

Using a Humidifier

Humidifiers add moisture into the air. When it’s dry, it can irritate the respiratory system and body. Adding moisture back into the air can open airways, decrease the congestion you’re feeling, and help clear breathing. Essential oils added to the water can be even more beneficial because lavender peppermint and eucalyptus oil aromas are known to be soothing and have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Avoid Smoking and Drinking

As you begin to apply changes to your lifestyle to help with these issues, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles which can lead to snoring and inflammation of the airway, causing a blockage of airflow. The use of tobacco can also inflame airways and block airflow which could worsen your sleep apnea.

Proper Sleep Positioning

Altering your sleep position can be difficult because each individual person has a position that feels comfortable to them. However, changing the positioning of how you sleep can improve your night’s sleep and reduce apnea symptoms. Studies show that more than fifty percent of obstructive sleep apnea cases are position dependent. Changing the incline you sleep on, opting for a better suited mattress for sleep apnea relief, and even changing adjusting pillow type and position can help reduce breathing issues.

It can be difficult to determine the best ways to address health issues such as sleep apnea. These more natural tips for helping with sleep issues are definitely worth using to create a healthier lifestyle that could lead to the avoidance of having to use a sleep machine. At the end of the day, you’ll be living better either way.

The post Tips for Helping with Sleep Apnea appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the strengths of holistic medicine compared to conventional medicine?

Holistic medicine has been used by many religions and cultures for thousands years. They were based on ancient wisdom and experience.

These medications are safe, affordable, effective, natural, as well as cost-effective. These side effects are far less severe than those from pharmaceutical drugs.

They can help you attain better health, and overall wellness.

They can help prevent illness and improve your overall health.

They may even cure diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, etc.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of traditional medicines all over the world. Each one has its own unique benefits.

According to the World Health Organization, around 80% of the population uses traditional methods to treat their illness or injury.

A reported half-billion people use traditional herbal remedies to get primary healthcare.

By 2020, the global market for complementary therapy is expected to be worth $22.2 billion.

To avoid side effects from conventional treatments, people are turning to alternative methods of medical care.

Many people turn to complementary therapies when they do not respond to other treatment options. These complementary therapies can also be used before undergoing surgery or medication.

There are many reasons why people choose to use complementary therapies.

To improve the quality and quantity of your life
To reduce stress levels
For relaxation
To ease your pain
To enhance immunity
To support you in dealing with serious illness
To boost energy
To control weight
To maintain good nutrition
To improve sleep patterns
To deal avec chronic conditions

What's the Difference Between Naturopathic Medicine & Holistic Medicine.

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies heavily on drugs and surgery to treat its patients. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.

Naturopathy on the other side is meant to be used in conjunction with conventional medical procedures. It is a holistic approach to treating the whole body, mind, as well as the spirit. There are many kinds of naturopathy.

It is important to note that some CAM modalities overlap with conventional medicine. Both doctors and Naturopaths can prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths emphasize lifestyle changes more than prescription drugs.

Naturopathy can be called “complementary” when it is used in combination with conventional medicine. Naturopaths might prescribe medication if necessary.

There are differences between naturopathic medicines and other CAM modalities.

Naturopaths rarely prescribe medication.
Naturopaths will work with the patient's family medicine and may refer patients outpatients to specialists, if necessary.
Naturopathic physicians are licensed by their respective provinces, while CAM practitioners are selfregulated.
Naturopathy focuses on prevention and wellness and offers education about diet, exercise, and nutrition.
Naturopaths stress the importance of lifestyle factors. This includes nutrition, exercise and stress management.
Naturopharmacists can use botanicals and mineral to treat specific conditions.
Naturopodists have the ability to offer individualized care that is tailored to each patient's needs.
Naturopaths are licensed by regulatory bodies like the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario.
Provincial regulatory bodies license naturopatrists.
Naturopaticians are registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
Naturotherapists are licensed by the College of Naturopaths of British Columbia.
Naturobiotic therapists are licensed by the United States National Board of Medical Examiners.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency entitles homeopaths.
The term “holistic” refers the belief that all aspects, including physical, spiritual, social, and mental, should be taken into consideration when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will not focus on just one aspect of the equation but consider all elements.

What Is Alternative Medicine?

It is an approach to healing that focuses on prevention rather than cure. It also encourages people to become informed consumers actively engaged in improving their health and well-being.

Alternative medicine is any method of diagnosis and treatment that doesn't use conventional (allopathic) medical methods.

Statistics

According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

How to Deal with My Girlfriend Who Trusts Alternative Medicine

The internet advises those dealing with a loved one suffering from mental illness. But there is little information out there to help when it comes to dealing with someone who believes in alternative medicine.

It seems that there is a huge divide between the two groups. There is a huge divide between those who question conventional medicine and those that are open-minded about its benefits.

What happens when you meet someone who believes that there are alternative treatments to mental health problems?

Because you don’t know where to start, you may feel confused and frustrated. You might feel confused and frustrated if your partner tells you that he'd rather see an acupuncturist than his physician. Or when he suggests to you that he would prefer to eat gluten-free foods than take antidepressants.

Asking questions is crucial. It's important to ask them early. This will save you many heartaches later.

But how do you ask these difficult questions without offending him? What if he says that he doesn't trust doctors? Do you tell him he shouldn’t trust anyone?

Or what if she insists that antidepressants work but she doesn't believe so? Do you need to tell her that she's wrong

Here's where things can get complicated. She may be even more offended if it is pointed out that she is wrong.

Alternativly, you might suggest that she sees an psychiatrist. This may cause more problems than it solves. You may get mad at her for suggesting this. Perhaps she thinks you are trying her to control the rest of her life.

What should you do?

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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.

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By: Dick Benson
Title: Tips for Helping with Sleep Apnea
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/lifestyle-2/tips-for-helping-with-sleep-apnea/
Published Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 06:07:29 +0000