Are you feeling pretty fatigued these days? Have you been told occasionally (or, perhaps constantly by a frustrated partner) that your over-the-top-loud snoring is a little out of control? If so, you may be unaware of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea that’s flying under the radar (while it robs you of your restful dreamtime hours). Since your tongue, throat tissues, and the position of your jaws all play a role, this topic happens to be right up our alley. Surprised? You’ll be even more overjoyed when you understand what’s going on while you’re in la-la-land and how simple changes can help.
I’m So Tired … But I Slept Through The Night!
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, you’re not sleeping through the night. However, you might not have any recollection of this fact! Your waking and sleeping episodes often happen too quickly for you to take notice. Consider what typically takes place (and remember, it may happen hundreds of times per night):
- The soft tissue in your throat falls in on itself due to over-relaxation.
- You stop breathing as a result of collapsed tissues (this may be preceded with loud snoring, which occurs when tissues partially relax).
- You wake up because your brain needs oxygen.
- You begin breathing again.
- You fall asleep.
Little Lifestyle Changes, Big Results
Yes, sleep apnea disorder is a little unnerving. However, if it is affecting you, you will be pleased to learn that making some changes to your lifestyle can have a huge impact on your ability to keep throat muscles (and tissues) active instead of relaxed. Try out the following:
- Avoid sleeping pills, alcohol, or anything that relaxes muscle tissue.
- Sleep on your side or your stomach (not on your back, which allows your tongue to partially obstruct your breathing).
- Lose weight if necessary to take pressure off of your airways.
- Let us know if you think you have sleep apnea.
