WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?

Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder which disrupts your sleeping pattern as a result of poor oxygen flow to your brain and body. Those who suffer from the condition often stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night which reduces their oxygen intake.  Although it is more likely to effect males over the age of 40, sleep apnea can impact those of all ages and genders. The condition is not one to be overlooked and should always be treated to further serious heath complications. 

EFFECTS OF SLEEP APNEA

Sleep apnea can often sound like snoring which is why most who suffer from the condition don’t receive the right treatment until it has reached a more detrimental level. Without proper treatment, the condition can impact your work and everyday life, taking a negative turn on your health. Sleep apnea can result in the following health conditions:

  • High blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeats and heart attacks
  • Fatigue, memory loss and dizziness
  • Diabetes
  • Depression

With treating the condition, the lack of sleep can be dangerous especially if you are frequently on the road, lack of concentration could put not only your life but those around you at risk. Fortunately, if you are suffering from sleep apnea, there are many effective methods of treating the condition so you can live your life comfortably again. 

HOW TO TREAT SLEEP APNEA

There are a number of ways you can manage sleep apnea in order to regain your regular sleeping pattern. The first thing you should do is visit a healthcare professional in order to receive a diagnosis and determine the severity of your condition. This will help you to determine the best form of treatment moving forward. Common treatments can include:

Regular exercise: By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regularly exercising and losing weight, you can ensure your airways are free from obstruction. Yoga and resistance training are great ways for you to strengthen the muscles in your airways and improve your breathing. 

Change your sleeping position: Some sleeping positions can restrict your body from receiving enough oxygen. By sleeping in a different position, you can improve your oxygen flow. If you suffer from the condition, sleeping on your back is strongly advised against as it makes it more difficult for you to breathe.  

Avoid alcohol and smoking: By making healthy lifestyle changes, you can significantly improve your sleeping behaviour. Alcohol and tobacco consumption can cause inflammation in your airways, reducing your oxygen intake. If you are struggling to sleep, consider reducing your alcohol consumption and quitting smoking. 

Invest in a CPAP device: One of the best forms of treatment to assist with sleep apnea is continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) therapy. A CPAP device works to keep your airways open throughout your sleep to maintain good oxygen flow throughout your body. CPAP technology has significantly advanced throughout the years and has proven to assist many sleep apnea sufferers to finally have a good night’s sleep. 

If you are struggling to sleep and often feel fatigued or run down, you could be suffering from sleep apnea. Without addressing the health condition, you face the risk of encountering further health complications in the long run.  There are a number of ways you can effectively treat the condition, CPAP therapy being one of the most effective. At Ultramatic, we offer sleep apnea testing to help you diagnose the condition and stock a wide range of superior quality ResMed CPAP machines which are all Australian made. Speak to the team at Ultramatic today on 1800 210 330 to find out how we can help.