5 sleep apnea remedies you should swear by
Did you know that as much as 37 percent of the population in North, Central and South America alone suffer from sleep apnea? If you’re one of them seeking sleep apnea relief, you know how much it can disrupt your life.
Thankfully, there are great sleep apnea remedies available. Treatment is highly effective at relieving symptoms and reducing the risks associated with this common sleep disorder. There are also ways you can complement your sleep apnea treatment for additional relief.
Although our recommendations for complementary ways you can help alleviate symptoms associated with sleep apnea, these are not alternative options for treating this medical disorder. They may however help to improve your sleep so you feel healthier overall.
Turn Down the Thermostat to Improve Overall Nighttime Sleep
The ideal temperature for sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. This is just good advice for anyone, but researchers tested the effects of ambient temperature on people with sleep apnea and discovered surprising results.
As you may have suspected, people with sleep apnea reported better sleep when the room temperature was around 61 degrees Fahrenheit. They reported feeling more alert in the mornings. They also had better sleep efficiency, which is the amount of time spent actually asleep while in bed. When the room was warmer (around 75 degrees) they experienced poorer sleep.
What makes this study so interesting though is that untreated sleep apnea was also worse when the temperature was lower. Which means the cool room temperature provides better sleep despite worsening sleep apnea symptoms, and if you’re treating your sleep apnea you’ll be able to sleep at ideal temperature without worrying about your symptoms getting worse.
2. Relax with the Scent of Lavender
Lavender was used in traditional folk medicine to treat hair loss, or as an appetite suppressant or to reduce anxiety. It’s popularity is surging once again with its use in aromatherapy. Many people find the pleasing odor relaxing and claims it helps put them more in the mood for sleep. Although there are some small-scale studies to suggest lavender helps with anxiety, more research is needed
If you personally find the lavender scent pleasing though, and feel it helps calm you, we suggest putting a few drops of 100% pure lavender essential oil on a towel. Then place the towel under your pillow or inside your pillowcase.
You can also add lavender to hot water and inhale the steam, or use an oil diffuser to fill your bedroom with the scent.
3. Try Magnesium For Better Sleep
One study found that people with sleep apnea had lower levels of magnesium in their bodies. Those lower levels of magnesium also correlated to higher levels of c-reactive protein in the bloodstream. C-reactive proteins are produced by the liver to combat inflammation in the body.
People suffering from sleep apnea experience high oxidative stress during the night. Magnesium has high anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce inflammation and may be therapeutic for people with sleep apnea.
Magnesium can be found in healthy foods like avocados, seeds and nuts, bananas and leafy greens such as kale, spinach and collard greens. Even dark chocolate is high in magnesium. Magnesium supplements are also available, but talk to your doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you have a preexisting condition or are on other medications.
Another option for increasing the magnesium levels in your body are to enjoy Epsom Salt Baths before bedtime. Plus, a nice warm bath can help get your body ready for bed. To learn more about how a warm bath can improve your sleep.
4. Soothe Your Throat with Raw Honey
Raw honey is used therapeutically, and has been for thousands of years, to soothe sore throats and reduce swelling and the severity of coughing fits.
While it isn’t medicine, honey has well-established anti-inflammatory properties due to its high level of phenolic compounds which can act as antioxidants. Sleep apnea patients also appreciate its throat soothing benefits.
Before bed, drink a mug of warm water or tea and add one teaspoon of raw honey. We recommend raw, unpasteurized honey because processed honey often has fewer nutrients and antioxidants as well as added sugar.
5. A Humidifier Can Help You Sleep
Humidifiers add moisture to the air. This is great for anyone suffering from sleep apnea because dry air can irritate the respiratory system and the body.
Humidifiers can also help decrease congestion, open airways, and promote clearer breathing. To get more out of your humidifier, consider adding lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint oil.
These were few sleep apnea remedies that can help you prevent sleep apnea and other sleep issues.