If you have sleep apnea, then you may snore loudly and you may even wake yourself up gasping for air. Sleep apnea can cause you to stop breathing multiple times during your sleep cycle, and because of this, you may need to make an appointment with a dentist for sleep apnea treatment in Chicago. While you are waiting for your appointment, consider these lifestyle changes that may help improve your symptoms.
Manage Acid Reflux
If you suffer from chronic acid reflux disease, your symptoms may include heartburn, a bad taste in your mouth, hypersalivation, and a feeling as though you have a lump in your throat. In addition, when acid backs up into your throat from your stomach, it may cause inflammation of your pharynx and your vocal cords.
When inflammation is severe, it may narrow your airway, causing more pronounced symptoms of snoring and breathing cessation. If you have acid reflux disease, avoid foods such as chocolate, spicy foods, coffee, garlic, and peppermint. Also, limit your consumption of alcohol before bedtime because it can relax your throat muscles and the muscles in the back of your tongue, which may further obstruct your airway and cause loud snoring and breathing problems.
Weight Management
One of the most important lifestyle modifications you can make to help manage your sleep apnea is to lose a few pounds. When you have excess weight around your neck and in your abdominal area, it can interfere with an effective pattern of breathing.
The excess weight of your neck can press against your trachea, obstructing your airway. Abdominal fat places pressure on your diaphragm, further impairing your breathing. Call a dentist in Chicago for sleep apnea treatment, which may include wearing a special mouthguard while you sleep.
If you believe you have sleep apnea or if someone in your family tells you that you snore loudly, contact Art Of Modern Dentistry today.
