Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the body’s breathing stops for a brief period while asleep. Then, the breathing resumes abruptly, leading the person to breathe heavily and choke or take a breath in a shallow way upon getting up. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed by symptoms like snoring that is louder than usual and fatigue when waking up awake, suddenly after breathing heavily or choking throat, and sweating during the night. In addition, patients with the condition tend to suffer from cardiovascular myopathy, hypertension, and heart failure. This is seen more frequently in those who are obese, have diabetes, and have structural issues in their neck.
There are many effective methods to treat sleep apnea. The most popular and effective way is with constant positive pressure (CPAP) therapy. It is the practice of wearing a mask around the mouth and nose when you sleep, inflating the throat and stopping it from collapsing. This method allows airways to be accessible even in apneic attacks, and the patient can enjoy uninterrupted sleep. However, potential health risks could be associated with the PE-PUR foam employed by certain CPAP manufacturers to reduce the sound and vibrations it produces. This particular kind of foam could decay into particles that may be absorbed by the mechanical ventilator’s path and be inhaled or breathed in by the patient. Ingestion of these substances has been linked to developing lung issues among customers, resulting in lawsuits in recent years. For more information on the cases involving those CPAP machines, read Schmidt & Clark.
Sleep apnea is divided into two categories: central and obstructive Apnea. In the case of obstructive sleep apnea, the respiratory muscles that aid breathing, like the chest and throat muscles, are put under too much stress to keep the airways open. This causes decreased blood flow and the amount of oxygen getting to vital organs. In contrast, central sleep apnea is due to problems with the nervous system that cause the brain to cease sending signals to the lungs to continue functioning. In the case of mild instances of sleep apnea, conservative treatments are available to the patient, like losing weight, changing sleeping positions, and applying humidifiers and nasal sprays before sleep. Changes in sleeping position are the most straightforward option of all these options and can be executed quickly. Medical professionals suggest the following functions for sleeping to help ease sleep apnea and lessen the chances of interruptions to sleep.
1. Prone Sleeping (or Stomach Sleeping) Position
The prone (also known as stomach sleep) lies on your stomach and the body’s front lying flat against the mattress. This is one of the more minor well-known sleeping positions, but it’s still good. When in this position, the tongue and soft palate do not move into the throat as gravity pulls them towards the open mouth. This allows for the air passageway in the throat and reduces the chance of developing apneic symptoms. The only disadvantage of this position is that the muscles at the neck’s back are stretched, so shifting positions frequently is recommended. A light pillow is an ideal option to lessen tension over the neck and prevent stiff necks due to this position. In addition, the pad must be correctly placed not to restrict the mouth or nose while you sleep.
2. Pillow Hugger Sleeping Position
Sleeping with pillows in a hug is an excellent method to avoid apneic attacks during sleep. It is an ideal position since it lessens tension on your airways in the throat and aids in increasing blood flow to many organs. In addition, the muscles in the upper part of the body feel more comfortable because of the pillows that cushion the weight of the forces in the upper part of your body.
3. Left-Side Sleeping Position
A left-side position is an excellent option for preventing sleep apnea and lessening the risk of stomach reflux. Acid reflux can play an essential role in the development of sleep apnea as rising stomach acid can cause obstructions of the airways. The chances of experiencing an apnea-related episode will also decrease to reduce the risk of acid reflux. This is why sleeping on the left side is an ideal option, particularly if you suffer from sleep apnea. If you sleep on your left side with your back in a straight posture is advised since it increases blood flow and decreases the chance of obstruction in the airway. A large pillow that supports the neck and head is recommended for those who sleep in a side position.
4. Right-Side Sleeping Position
The left side offers many advantages to oversleeping on your left side. Sleep on your right side reduces the pressure and weight that the heart feels, and the lung on the left decreases, making it more comfortable for those suffering from heart conditions that go along with sleep apnea. Sleeping with your right side of the body relaxes your heart and may aid in treating sleep apnea.
5. Inclined Sleeping Position
Sleeping on your back is probably the most uncomfortable position for those with sleep apnea. However, this may be the only alternative for some with joint pains. To make this position more comfortable, it is recommended to tilt the upper section of the bed can be an ideal position to sleep in even if you suffer from sleep apnea. Because the upper part of the body has been inclined, this helps reduce the tendency of the tongue to slide and soft palate forward into the throat. This can also help in reducing acid reflux during sleep. To ensure that the airway stays open, wedge-shaped pillows made from foam are suggested. Avoid using pads with a soft texture because the purpose is to raise the head.
Combining these sleeping positions can aid in improving sleeping for those with sleep apnea. In addition, keeping a healthy lifestyle for sleeping and hygiene is crucial for healthy sleep. It can also be beneficial to create a setting that encourages restful sleep by altering the temperature of your room to suit your preferred temperature, restricting or making it easier to sleep, and utilizing an uncluttered and comfortable mattress or bed.