Have you been following the World Series this year?
Cleveland’s Mike Napoli never had a good night’s sleep and could not recall the last time he dreamed. Doctors broke his jaw to reposition it, so he could breathe.
This is just one example of what causes sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea occurs when people’s ways to get air are cut off while they sleep and it affects more people than you may imagine.
It has been thought to be a hereditary sleeping issue, meaning that it can be passed down from person to person. However it can also be caused by lifestyle choices, obesity and general unhealthiness.
It causes them to suffer oxygen deprivation, snore, and sleep in fits and starts. Most people just think of the overweight, barrel-chested middle-aged man when they think of sleep apnea. Yet, airways may be cut off for many reasons.
A big soft palate or a long uvula (that flap in everyone’s throat) may shut off the airway. Nostrils may be too narrow where air is supposed to enter the body.
Blame a deviated septum for that.
In most cases, people can either breathe through their nose or throat, so they are able to compensate. It means they continue with breathing struggles.
The issue is that because people can compensate they assume there is no problem. They could die because of this wrong assumption.
Playing Russian Roulette
Sleep apnea is like Russian roulette.
Add in a stuffy nose, sore throat, and the person with excess skin sagging into their throat has no way to breathe.
They may normally snore loudly, like a chainsaw, whose loud rhythm is normally interrupted by a cough, or a sniffle for air.
A head cold means all of their ways to get air are cut off and they die. Their heart cannot get sufficient oxygen, causing a heart attack.
There are many causes of apnea and many ways to solve the problem. Some are surgical, and some involve a machine to force air into the body, through a CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) machine.
6 Natural Methods to Alleviate This Disorder
There are many natural methods to help sleep apnea, but as with most things, some are better than others.
Now I want to make it clear here, that although these methods are very good at helping, you should visit your doctor before starting any method and also to get a fuller overview about how serious your sleep apnea really is.
Lose Weight
It is no coincidence that a great many sleep apnea sufferers also happen to be overweight. It is also no coincidence that many of those who lose weight discover that their symptoms disappear over time.
One study found that 20% of those involved in the study found an almost immediate cure with an intensive weight loss routine.
Change The Position You Sleep
This is a nice simple one that you might find has an immediate effect.
Lying on your back causes all of your throat muscles and tongue to move towards the back of your throat, thereby closing up your airways.
By giving side sleeping a go, you could reduce potential apnea episodes and help you to sleep more deeply whilst getting enough oxygen.
Increase Your Vitamins Intake
More specifically vitamin D and vitamin C.
Research has found a correlation between sleep apnea and Vitamin D deficiency. Whilst not a cure in of itself, it is a simple fix and one that can have quantitative benefits.
The vitamin C connection is more to do with fixing some of the damage that apnea might cause through helping to repair damaged cells.
Magnesium
This particular mineral is vital with muscle function so it is worthwhile to ensure that you get enough in your diet. If your throat muscles are working optimally, they are in a better position to stay strong.
Consider Herbal Remedies
Certain herbs such as lavender,can help to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. AGain this is not to be taken as a cure, but rather to help to reduce any adverse effects.
Serotonin Precursor 5-HTP
A serotonin precursor named 5-HTP, could be used for sleep apnea sufferers. This is because decreased serotonin levels have been shown to be a direct cause, therefore increasing this hormone might just do wonders.
So there you have it.
A very underestimated sleeping disorder that may not sound like a dangerous sleep issue, but it certainly is and one that anyone might think they have it should immediately visit a doctor.
Sleep Apnea: A Deadly But Underestimated Sleep Disorder
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