Which Sleeping Position Is Best For People With Sleep Apnea?
If you feel exceedingly drowsy throughout the day, wake up unusually early in the morning, snore loudly, or have a daily morning headache, you may have sleep apnea.
Supportive therapy for sleep apnea involves utilizing equipment like CPAP machines and using drugs like a nasal spray that can widen the nasal airways. Another important factor in reducing the occurrence of ‘apnea’ is selecting the ideal sleeping posture. This can help reduce the likelihood of a clogged airway, allowing you to sleep longer and better.
Sleeping on your back is said to be the ideal sleeping position for sleep apnea because it keeps the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing to the back of the throat and closing the airway. Elevating the head and neck using a pillow might also assist. Side sleeping is also an option, however, using a body cushion to keep the airway open is suggested. Sleeping on your stomach might aggravate sleep apnea symptoms. This blog will tell you which position us best to sleep.
What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a kind of respiratory depression that happens primarily when sleeping. The airways or windpipe are either clogged by the tongue or by muscles of the neck, which prevents proper breathing. The other reason regular breathing is restricted is a problem with brain function, which stops messages from the brain from reaching the muscles that govern breathing. Both of these diseases cause the individual to wake up often at night, disturbing their sleep pattern and preventing the body from functioning properly.
3 Sleeping Positions That Help With Sleep Apnea
Sleep postures are critical for those suffering from sleep apnea. Sleeping in the correct position works wonders and may significantly enhance your sleep pattern throughout the night. However, as stated further below in this article, sleeping postures are also useful for various underlying conditions.
1. Sleeping On Your Stomach –
Sleeping on one’s side is said to be the most beneficial sleeping posture for sleep apnea. It does not create any restriction to the airways and keeps your tongue safely on the side throughout the night. It is recommended that you tie a tennis ball or a tiny ball to your back. It will keep you from rolling over during your deep slumber.
• Sleeping On The Left Side
Sleeping on the left is recommended for patients who have acid reflux, other stomach issues, or sleep apnea. This is due to the stomach’s position to the left of the abdomen. Lying on your left side calms the stomach and allows you to sleep well.
• Sleeping On The Right Side
Sleeping on the right side might be beneficial for people who have cardiac issues. According to research, sleeping on the right side is an impulse to protect the heart. Furthermore, studies demonstrate that sleeping on the right reduces nervous system activity, decreasing heart rate and blood pressure.
2. Sleeping On Your Stomach –
Lying on one’s stomach is the second best posture for sleep apnea patients. While most individuals do not want to put pressure on their full tummies, this position is recommended if you wake up frequently at night. You can select one of the following pillows based on your preferences:
- Place a flat cushion beneath your head and belly.
- Lie on your back with a raised pillow beneath your head.
3. Sleeping With Your Head Raised –
Sleeping on your back is thought to be harmful to sleep apnea. As a result, if you sleep on your back, raise your head to sleep in a reclining posture. This will keep your tongue and neck muscles from choking your throat and windpipe. One of the following elevated head sleeping postures may be beneficial to you.
Tips For Better Sleep –
Along with the ideal sleeping position for sleep apnea, you may also attempt the following sleep-improvement ideas and tactics.
- Fresh Linens- Using new sheets will help you sleep better right away. The cleanness and freshness of the linens help your body relax.
- Clean Environment- Unless you have a million daily activities to complete, having tidy surroundings and a clean bedroom does not divert your mind from the chaos in front of your eyes.
- Aromatherapy- breathing smells that quiet the mind and nerves, generating a profound sensation of serenity and rest in the body, is another technique to improve your sleep.
- CPAP Machine- A specialist machine with a connected nasal mask that delivers continuous high-pressure air into the nasal canal to prevent the throat muscles from collapsing. To minimize breathing obstructions, the air is pressured and continuous throughout the night.
In Conclusion
Several postures may be claimed to be the best for sleep apnea patients. If nothing helps, you may also visit a health professional about the optimal sleeping posture for sleep apnea. While you may live with sleep apnea for the rest of your life, you will have side effects such as daytime tiredness, lack of concentration, difficulty focusing, and an overall irritated disposition. This can influence both you and your sleeping companion. As a result, receiving treatment for sleep apnea is simpler and can relieve you of concern about your health and sleep. Speak with an expert who can address your problems and guide you to a better life. Participate in the “Write for Us” campaign if you have anything to say on this matter or if you require assistance with it.
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