Simple changes can help, and if you’re still not getting enough Z’s, it may be time to see a specialist.
1. Lose weight
Even moderate excess weight can make the problem parts of your throat more bulky and floppy — and more prone to blocking the airway. We all know the recipe for successful weight loss: increase fitness activities while eating healthier — and less — food. Your doctor can help you with a weight-loss program specific to your needs.
2. Sleep on your side
Gravity pulls relaxed throat tissues straight down into their airway-blocking formation when you sleep on your back. Rolling over on your side may reduce that blockage.
3. Avoid alcohol
Not only does alcohol decrease the quality of sleep it can — as can antihistamines, sedatives, sleeping pills and others — relax your throat muscles more than usual. Too relaxed means too likely to cause or worsen airway blockage, snoring, and apnea. So avoid alcohol 3 to 4 hours before bedtime, and talk to your doctor about your other medications.
4. Unblock your nose
A stuffed-up nose can also make snoring and apnea worse. If you have allergies or sinus problems that are interfering with your sleep, ask your doctor for help. Nasal surgery is highly effective for nasal obstruction and is done as an outpatient, if medications are not helpful. Additionally, smoking stuffs up noses even more, giving smokers yet another reason to quit.
5. Get a Sleep Study
Sleep labs track and record body functions to help your doctor evaluate your sleep problems. Davenport-based Dr. Douglas Dvorak assists in operating a sleep lab, Mississippi Valley Sleep Disorder Center that can help evaluate the best course of treatment. How do a sleep lab work? The clinic’s technician will attach a number of sensors to your body to record your heart rate, breathing, oxygen level and other signs.
Dr. Douglas Dvorak of ENT Professional Services assists in operating the sleep lab at the Mississippi Valley Sleep Disorder Center, located in Davenport, IA.
In addition to the sensors, a microphone and video camera will record your breathing and tossing and turning. If you usually use a CPAP device or are found to have sleep apnea, one will be available at the clinic, too.
You’ll be in a private bedroom for the night, and you should follow your usual routine as much as possible. ENT encourages its patients to bring whatever relaxes you before bedtime. The purpose is to gather as much data about your sleep to ensure the proper treatment or surgery will bring you better sleep for years to come.
To schedule an appointment, call ENT Professional Services, P.C., (563) 359-1646 or send us your request for a free referral via email.
Other stories you may want to read:
- Good Night, Good Sleep - a good night’s sleep is hard to come by these days and that can spell trouble for people as they age.
- Sleep apnea treatments restore rest – as with most sleep disorders, untreated sleep apnea can cause a host of serious health problems.
