How To Sleep With Sleep Apnea?

Different sleep apnea conditions require different approaches to sleep. The severity of sleep apnea also makes a difference. In this guide, we will primarily cover methods for obstructive sleep apnea and also cover central sleep apnoea. However, if you have severe sleep apnea conditions, it is better to consult a sleep specialist. These are all just tips and not diagnoses or health advice. So, it is better to consult a sleep doctor:

Make Lifestyle Changes And Lose Weight

If you want to keep sleep apnea symptoms at bay, especially obstructive sleep apnea, then the best way is to lose weight. Weight loss and lifestyle changes can help treat sleep apnea and it is often the first step to sleeping with sleep apnea.

Clear Out Your Airway Before Sleep

Keeping your airway open is an important part of comfortable sleep. So, it starts by clearing your nasal ways and gargling to ensure that your throat is clear, as well.

You can also use nasal drops and other options like oral appliances that can help prevent airway obstructions for a good night's sleep.

Try The Side Sleeping Position For Sleep Apnea

There's an old remedy that if you have one side of the nasal passage blocked, you shift to one side to keep it open. This step usually works, but you might have to find out a comfortable side sleeping position for this to work right.

Try Changing The Pillow And Head Elevation

If you use a very thin pillow, try to use a thicker pillow, and vice versa. It is also a good idea to use a pillow when you are using the left side sleeping position or right side sleeping position to avoid neck pain.

If the best sleep position doesn't work for you, you can try to keep your head elevated while you sleep. For this, you will use the support of the pillow, as well.

Avoid Stomach Sleeping Positions For Sleep Apnea

Sleeping on your back is the best position for you to breathe properly to prevent untreated OSA and other issues.

Stomach sleeping is one of the most common sleep positions. However, it can lead to many issues and put pressure on your airways, chest, and overall respiratory system. It creates upper airway resistance which poses a problem. As a result, you might face temporary sleep apnea.

If you have a habit of sleeping on your stomach, then you can wrap a tennis ball around your stomach. It helps stomach sleepers learn to sleep on their back.

Try Not To Get Intoxicated Or Take Sedatives

Sleep medicine often leads to some form of sleep apnea. Moreover, going to bed intoxicated (after consuming alcohol) also triggers sleep disorders commonly in sleep apnea form. So, make sure not to repeat these or turn them into a habit.

Using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure CPAP Machine

For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, sleep position does the job of treating it. However, if you undergo a sleep apnea diagnosis and have moderate to severe issues, then the sleep apnea treatment shifts to positive airway pressure CPAP treatment. Forget about your favorite sleeping position. Now it is time to get serious.

What If You're Having A Problem Sleeping With CPAP Therapy?

First, the best sleeping position for a CPAP machine is the one that allows you to sleep comfortably. If that doesn't work, you can try changing CPAP masks. There are many options available, and for those who frequently change positions, it is better to go with nasal pillow masks. If that doesn't work, you might have to make some forced change of habits.

How To Sleep Better With Central Sleep Apnea?

First and foremost, whether you suspect obstructive sleep apnoea or central sleep apnea, it is pivotal for you to visit the sleep clinic and undergo a sleep study. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, Central doesn't have a blocked airway. So, you can't use common steps to ensure quality sleep.

Instead, you should try and get medicated and treat the actual medical condition. After all, central sleep apnea is usually because by some other underlying condition and not developed by itself. That is a rare case.

The Ending Note

Sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder that comes with many symptoms. By using the above-given tips, you can try and reduce snoring, daytime sleepiness and other symptoms. However, if the problem persists, it is better to go to the sleep specialist. Untreated sleep apnea can turn into a worse condition.