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Manage
Certain patients with mild sleep apnea may be managed without CPAP or surgery. These measures may also help people who are pursuing other treatments.
 
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American Sleep Apnea Association(ASAA): This site is a source of information and a community for sufferers of sleep apnea. ASAA hosts a forum with live chats, a geographical listing of support groups in the U.S. and Canada and specific guidance for parents with children who have the disease. |
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MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Find an extended definition of sleep apnea in this medical encyclopedia provided by the National Institutes of Health. MedlinePlus provides a separate directory of links to sleep apnea news, diagnosis, treatment, and research from government agencies and associations.
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National Sleep Foundation (NSF): After explaining the basics of sleep apnea, the NSF's "Sleeptionary" features sections on coping and links to articles. NSF also covers symptoms and treatment of sleep apnea in children. |
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National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): NHLBI, part of the National Institutes of Health, includes sections on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep apnea. It outlines who is at risk, how to live with the condition, and how to help those who may have it. |
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ClinicalTrials.gov: The National Institutes of Health maintains this research database of federally and privately supported clinical trials. It includes the purpose, eligibility criteria, and location for each study. |
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SleepEducation.com: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers tools for evaluating sleep, including a true-false questionnaire and a sample sleep diary. The sleep apnea page walks patients through a series of points to help determine if they have sleep apnea, whether they need to see a sleep specialist, what to tell their doctor, and how their condition may be treated. Don't overlook additional resources, such as sleep apnea case studies or suggestions for sleep hygiene. |
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Weight
People who are overweight are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Therefore, maintaining an ideal weight is important in managing sleep apnea. Before starting a diet or exercise program, talk with your doctor about your plan to make sure it is safe. Losing weight can reduce symptoms of sleep apnea.
Sleeping Position
Some people breathe better and snore less loudly when sleeping on their sides or stomach. There are simple techniques to keep you from sleeping on your back, including sewing a tennis ball to the back of your pajama top, wearing a soft backpack at night, or placing a pillow under a shoulder.
Products to avoid
Alcohol, smoking, and certain medicines that make you sleepy can all make sleep apnea worse. Sedatives can make it harder for you to wake you up when you stop breathing, which makes the pauses in breathing longer. Smoke irritates the tissue in your nose and throat, which can make the airway more likely to collapse while you are asleep.
Over-the-counter products
There is little scientific evidence that various nasal sprays and nasal strips that are sold to limit snoring have any significant effect on obstructive sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor if you plan to use these products.
Adopting good sleeping habits may improve the quality of your sleep, whether or not you have sleep apnea.
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