Most Common Mistakes People Make With Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can potentially be a severe medical condition that can increase the risk of fatal issues such as stroke, heart attack, etc. Therefore, it's crucial for people with sleep apnea to be cautious and avoid making mistakes that can potentially lead to fatal consequences.

Let's take a look at the most common mistakes people make with sleep apnea.

Unawareness About Sleep Apnea

There isn't a lot of awareness about sleep apnea among people, and often people confuse snoring with sleep apnea. However, not everyone who suffers from sleep apnea snores. But then how will you know if it’s just snoring or a severe case of sleep apnea?

Well, typically, you can self-diagnose sleep apnea by noticing how you feel during the day. Do you feel tired? Do you fall asleep during the day? Because snoring alone does not interfere with your sleep and hence, doesn’t leave you exhausted or sleepy during the day.

If someone studies your sleep, they may tell if you have sleep apnea from how you snore. If you’re making a sound like choking, gasping, or any other unusual sounds, you might have sleep apnea.

As soon as you notice you might have sleep apnea, you should consider visiting our center for sleep apnea and TMJ in Suffolk for a medical diagnosis & treatment.

Not Changing Behavior & Lifestyle to Manage Sleep Apnea

Many people suffering from sleep apnea fail to adopt a better lifestyle and day-to-day behavior, and hence, their sleep apnea condition worsens. Here are some changes people shouldn’t avoid:

Changing Sleep Position

This might not be a permanent or adequate solution, but if you try to stay off your back while you sleep, your sleep quality might improve. This might be a difficult position to sleep in throughout the night for some people; however, it can help people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Weight Loss

Obesity or being overweight is one of the leading causes of sleep apnea. Weight loss is quite helpful for reducing the severity of sleep apnea. You can lose weight through different ways, such as changes in your diet, workouts, and even surgical treatment. However, maintaining your weight loss can be sort of a challenge, but if you try to keep track of your intake calories, it can be done.

Avoiding Alcohol & Other Sedatives

Did you know? Alcohol & other such substances can worsen your sleep apnea by disrupting your sleep cycle. Sleep apnea treatment centers in Suffolk often advise their sleep apnea patients to either altogether avoid drinking alcohol or reduce their intake significantly.

If you’re on anti-anxiety medications or consume some sedatives to help with your sleep, consult with your doctor, as these medications can impact sleep apnea.