Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Top Tips for Natural Remedies for Sleep Apnea.
Sleep apnea affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact health, energy, and overall quality of life. Characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, it can cause excessive daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even increase the risk of heart conditions.
If you have never experienced such a thing before then it can be quite unnerving and quite scary when you see your partner experience such a condition. You will notice it when the person beside you stops breathing for a little while when they are sleeping. You might find that they will wake up from a deep sleep and this is because they are not getting enough oxygen.
Thankfully there are a number of natural remedies for sleep apnea and you need to be able to try to take advantage of these because not treating this particular disease can cause a number of health issues like a weak immune system, issues with your heart and mental health issues as well.
There are traditional treatments for this condition but the following are some home remedies that you might want to try.
Top Tips for Natural Remedies for Sleep Apnea
Table of Contents
- Prioritize Maintaining a Healthy Weight
- Consider your sleep position
- Incorporate Regular Exercise
- Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes
- Adopt a Healthy Bedtime Routine
- Try Nasal Irrigation for Clear Airways
- Perform Throat and Mouth Exercises
- Final Thoughts
1. Prioritize Maintaining a Healthy Weight
If you are overweight then this can contribute to your airways getting obstructed and your nasal passages as well.
By maintaining a healthy weight, you can help to reduce your symptoms overall and various studies show that losing just a little bit of weight can help greatly with your breathing. By adopting a balanced diet and regular exercise routine, you may reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms or, in some cases, eliminate them.
Tip: Focus on anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, nuts, fatty fish, and whole grains. Reducing inflammation can support better breathing and reduce pressure on the airways.
2. Consider your sleep position
Sleeping on your back often exacerbates sleep apnea, as gravity can cause the tongue and soft palate to collapse to the back of your throat, partially blocking the airway. Sleeping on your side, however, can reduce this risk and improve airflow.
If you can afford one, get a humidifier for your bedroom so that it can help to add moisture to the air. Dry air will irritate your respiratory system, and always remember to keep your humidifier clean.
Tip: Use a body pillow or specialized sleep apnea pillow to maintain a comfortable side-sleeping position throughout the night.
3. Incorporate Regular Exercise
Physical activity can be beneficial for sleep apnea management, even if it doesn’t directly lead to weight loss. Exercise helps strengthen respiratory muscles, improves lung function, and reduces symptoms of sleep apnea. Both aerobic activities and strength training are helpful, and even light activity can be effective.
Yoga is also very beneficial. Not only does yoga provide you with flexibility but it also provides you with more strength in your respiratory system and this helps oxygen to flow more easily. When you do yoga, you will be encouraged to try out a number of different breathing exercises and this has a very positive effect on sleep apnea.
Tip: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Try activities like brisk walking, swimming, or gentle yoga routines designed for sleep improvement.
4. Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes
If you smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol, you may want to consider some lifestyle changes to cut down on your consumption or stop these altogether. Both of these can lead to inflammation that will block your airflow and cause illness.
5. Adopt a Healthy Bedtime Routine
Consistent sleep routines and a relaxing bedtime environment can help minimize sleep apnea episodes. Good sleep hygiene includes going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, limiting screen time an hour before bed, and keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
Tip: Establish a calming pre-sleep routine—such as having a relaxing bath, reading, meditating, or listening to calming music—to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
6. Try Nasal Irrigation for Clear Airways
Nasal congestion can worsen sleep apnea symptoms by restricting airflow. Saline rinses, like those from a neti pot, can help open up nasal passages, making it easier to breathe naturally through your nose.
Tip: Perform nasal irrigation an hour before bed to flush out allergens and clear your airways. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your humidifier can also keep the airways open and reduce nighttime congestion.
7. Perform Throat and Mouth Exercises
Toning the muscles around the throat, tongue, and soft palate may help prevent the airway from collapsing during sleep. Simple exercises, like sliding the tongue along the roof of the mouth or loudly repeating vowel sounds, can strengthen these muscles and improve airflow.
Final Thoughts on
Top Tips for Natural Remedies for Sleep Apnea
While sleep apnea often requires medical oversight, natural remedies can be highly beneficial for symptom management. By incorporating lifestyle changes, consistent sleep hygiene, and exercises into your daily routine, you can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improve your quality of life.
However, always consult a healthcare provider to discuss how these remedies may work alongside traditional treatments for the best results.
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With love,
Note : Sleep apnea is a serious condition, so if you’re experiencing symptoms, consult a healthcare provider to explore the best treatment options for your needs.
One of my family members dealt with sleep apnea and sleep position and maintaining a healthy weight has been crucial!
That’s so true, Laura.