Lifestyle Changes That Reduce Apnea Symptoms

While oral devices and CPAP effectively treat apnea during sleep, certain daytime habits also impact disorder severity. We emphasize lifestyle adjustments to augment therapy and control symptoms 24/7.

Simple changes to your daily wellness routine reduce anatomical obstructions and chemical aggravators of breathing problems at night. Let’s review complementary approaches that stack the deck toward restful slumber.

Diet and Exercise to Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight contributes to apnea by:

  • Increasing neck fat that narrows airways. Just 10 extra pounds doubles apnea risk. 
  • Triggering inflammation that degrades breathing signals.
  • Promoting conditions like reflux that impair sleep.

 

Shedding pounds through proper nutrition and activity reverses these effects. Even a 10% reduction in body weight can improve AHI scores and oxygen levels.

While challenging, lasting weight control should be a priority. Our clinicians provide tailored plans making goals achievable. With dedication, a slimmer physique means slimmer chances for apneic airway obstructions all night.

Improve Breathing Habits and Upper Body Strength 

Normalizing respiration patterns during the day allows muscles to strengthen and coordinate properly for nighttime breathing. Try:

  • Singing, playing wind instruments, and breathing exercises to train muscles.
  • Posture practice and neck stretches open compressed airways.
  • Yoga and Pilates to improve upper body flexibility and control.

 

Building respiratory stamina equips muscles to maintain airway patency once asleep. Daily conditioning enhances oral therapy gains.

Adjust Sleep Positions and Pillows

Sleeping on your back collapses the tongue and palate backward into the airway. Avoid this posture by:

  • Placing pillows to encourage side-sleeping.
  • Using positional alarms prompts you to turn.
  • Placing tennis balls in a shirt’s back to deter supine posture.

 

Choose thin, supportive pillows that don’t over-flex the neck. Proper alignment is key for both apnea relief and spinal health.

Stay Hydrated and Manage Nasal Congestion

Nasal stuffiness from colds, allergies, or environmental irritants undermines airflow. You can:

  • Drink plenty of fluids daily to optimize hydration and thin mucus secretions.
  • Use humidifiers in dry climates and avoid triggers like dust mites.
  • Follow prescription allergy medication regimens.
  • Utilize nasal strips, sprays, and sinus rinses for temporary relief as needed.

 

Decongesting eases night breathing when combined with oral devices. ENTs also help address chronic structural blockages like deviated septums.

Relaxation Techniques to Reduce Stress

Mental anxieties and worries translate into physical muscle tension, perpetuating airway issues. Try: 

  • Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and guided imagery to calm pre-bedtime thoughts.
  • Avoiding work, computers, and phones before bed to allow your mind to unwind.
  • White noise machines, nature soundtracks, or soft music to muffle worrying thoughts.
  • Counseling to develop constructive thought habits.

 

Quieting mental chatter helps muscles fully relax into sleep. Our therapy teaches healthy lifelong habits beyond just oral devices for whole-person apnea care.