Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing while you sleep. Basically, once you have this condition, you miss a couple of or more breaths. Although it is largely about structural abnormalities - that is, some of the parts of your body are not working at optimum or are not designed properly - it can be prevented. Yes, there are things that you can do to still keep your body from breathing properly. Here are some of them:
1. Don't lie supine.
Sleeping on your back (supine) increases your chances of developing sleep apnea. A very simple explanation of this involves gravity. When you lie on your back, the tissues on your throat "bow down" to the pull of the earth, as such, they block your airway, causing it to narrow.
If you are pre-disposed to sleep apnea and you want to stay away from the CPAP mask - in Toronto or elsewhere - try lying on your side. Studies reveal that this condition happens more (at least twice) to those who lie on their back than to those who lie on their side. By simply doing a simple "lifestyle change," you are getting rid of that sleep apnea mask.
Still in relation to sleeping positions, you can try using a special pillow that elevates your neck at a certain degree. Sleeping "upright" helps generate more oxygen into your brain. Of course, with more oxygen, you are less likely to wake up just to suck in air. This is indeed a simple method in keeping yourself away from the sleep apnea mask.
2. Lose weight.
Obesity is a risk factor of sleep apnea. Therefore, if you are weighing beyond the limits, try losing weight. This approach would not only keep you away from a sleep apnea mask, but it will also help promote total wellness - both in your mind and body. A study conducted in 2000 contends that weight loss results to 26% reduction in risks of developing the condition. Whereas, those who gained weight increased their chances by 6 times!
Weight loss also reduces the incidence of snoring, a phenomenon that's highly correlated with it.
3. Use Nasal Strips.
Breathe Right strips and other nasal strips are available over-the-counter. These strips are helpful in preventing snoring. Remember, snoring (at excessive levels, that is) is one of the signs of it. Therefore, once you are able to minimize snoring, you are also able to reduce your chances of ever using a sleep apnea mask.
4. Stay away from cigarettes and liquor.
Smoking worsens sleep apnea. So if you are a smoker, try quitting now. You must also avoid taking in alcohol at least 4 hours before sleeping as this also increases your chances of developing it. By having a clean lifestyle - staying away from cigarettes and liquor - you are doing yourself a favor, as you lessen your chances of ever needing a sleep apnea mask.
Prevention is better than cure indeed! If you are pre-disposed to it, might as well take the prevention tips discussed above. That way, you don't have to deal with machines such as the Respironics CPAP machines - in Toronto or elsewhere. Most of all, you don't have to worry about missing a precious breath!
CPAP Clinic - healthcare at your home We serve Greater Toronto Area in Canada. Contact: 1-877-430-CPAP(2727) or info@CPAPClinic.ca Frustrated at not finding that CPAP mask in Toronto or that sleep apnea mask - in Toronto or elsewhere? Worry no more. At CPAPClinic.com, you can find the mask that will fit your every need. Visit their site too for great deals on Respironics CPAP machines in Toronto.