Sleep Apnoea?!
Question: I suffer really badly with sleep apnoea, I can sleep all through the day but never at night time. i try not to sleep during the day as trying to get myself into a pattern of sleeping evenings and getting up during the day however, I am really finding it hard to get to sleep and its beginning to drive a wedge between me and my partner, Has any one got any suggestions that will help me with this or any natural remedies that will help to make me sleepy/or keep me awake during the day, I am not able to take medication and my GP has been consulted, many thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Answers: I suffer really badly with sleep apnoea, I can sleep all through the day but never at night time. i try not to sleep during the day as trying to get myself into a pattern of sleeping evenings and getting up during the day however, I am really finding it hard to get to sleep and its beginning to drive a wedge between me and my partner, Has any one got any suggestions that will help me with this or any natural remedies that will help to make me sleepy/or keep me awake during the day, I am not able to take medication and my GP has been consulted, many thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Sleep apnea describes the condition where a person either breathes too little or stops breathing during sleep. It is often associated with daytime fatigue & sleepiness, headaches, and restless nighttime sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is associated with obesity and structural abnormalities of the throat.
Your symptoms may or may not be consistent with sleep apnea. In fact, it sounds like a problem with either sleep hygiene or an abnormal circadian pattern. You should start with proper sleep hygiene.
Proper sleep hygiene includes:
Go to bed and wake up at a set time, every day (even on weekends!).
Avoid caffeine and alcohol at least 4 hrs. before bedtime.
Avoid smoking (if possible).
Maintain a relaxing bedroom environment (no work or TV)
If you must nap, keep it less than 30 min/day.
You might try some herbal (non caffeinated teas) or warm milk before bedtime.
If these don't work, you should discuss with your doctor about other alternatives. He/she may recommend getting a sleep study.
You need to get on a c-pap to really help you. If you have sleep apnea as bad as you say you do, if you don't treat it you can get a stroke or a heart attack. There are different surgeries out there, but the most effective treatment is the c-pap. Naps are discouraged as well as too much caffeine as it can make you more irritable. Go to a sleep specialist as soon as possible to get treated. This isn't something to take lightly.
If you are over weight try sheading a few pounds to reduce the amount of fat around your neck, try orthopaedic pillows and anti allergy covers!
sorry but i have to disagree with katysru1. i suffer and have found c pap to be too uncomfortable and bulky to sleep with the whole night and it dries your throat too! i do agree however that you should attend a sleep clinic to find what will help you personally.(i ended up with a gum shield and it works for me) good luck.
Have you seen a sleep physician? If your sleep apnea is that bad you should be on a cpap or bi-pap machine depending on your severtity. Also, your primary care can refer to an ENT for possible surgery. There are not usually any over the counter natural remedies you can take for sleep apnea. The list our doctor gives is to go to bed every night at the same time and rise at the same time regardless of the sleep the night before. Do not spend time in bed other than to sleep and to have sex. Get out of bed if you are not asleep within 15 minutes of going to bed. Go to your living room: do not watch t.v. or use the computer. Using a backlight, reading is a preferred activity, if you can not sleep. When you begin to doze, go to the bedroom to sleep. Do not sleep on the couch, or anywhere else besides the bed. Do not take any naps during the day. If a day nap is necessary, do it before 1:00 p.m. Do not eat a heavy meal, drink alcohol, or take any stimulants such as caffeine after 4 p.m. Do not exercise within 4 hours of bedtime.
Sleep apnea is caused by many different factors...ie: extra tissue in the back of the throat (large tonsils or uvula), could be a decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open, nasal obstruction, or sometimes jaw or facial structures attribute to it.
If you do not have it treated you are at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, fatigue related motor vehicle and work accidents, and decreased quality of life.
I realize you'd like a natural or cheaper remedy...but this condition is very serious! Please go to a doctor!
Good Luck!
i had sleep apnoea.i bought a high end aircleaner with hepa filter for my bedroom and i no longer suffer from it