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Fighting sleep apnea: make the healthy choice

Written by: David Castillo on June 25th, 2010

Fighting sleep apnea: make the healthy choice | read this item

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when a person is lying down, sleeping, and an obstruction occurs in his/her airways, which blocks the nose, throat, and mouth.

Common symptoms are pauses in breathing during sleep, along with heavy snoring. People who suffer from this sleep disorder usually wake up because they feel they are being choked during sleep. Other symptoms include: daytime drowsiness, headaches, memory loss, and difficulty in concentrating.

What can you do if you suffer from OSA? Well, people usually undergo continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatments. Apart from that, there are several lifestyle changes that can greatly reduce the condition’s effects.

First is losing weight. OSA is often linked to obesity. Excess fat can cause the walls of the trachea to thicken, resulting in an airway obstruction. This causes the temporary lapses in breathing during sleep.

Another tip is to avoid alcohol. Alcohol consumption makes it harder for the throat to remain open, especially when you’re sleeping on your side.

Stop smoking. Not only does nicotine stimulate your body, it can actually worsen your sleep apnea if you already have it.