12 Ways to Beat Sleep Apnea Without Machines (#8 is Fun!)

Photo credit: bigstock.com

If you or someone in your family suffers from sleep apnea, you know how annoying and scary it can be. You might have it and not even be aware of it! Sleep apnea is a fairly common sleep disorder. While the person is sleeping, their breathing will suddenly stop, sometimes for just a few seconds, other times for as long as a minute! This occurs because of narrowed or blocked airways or when the brain fails to transmit the proper signals to your respiratory system.

This sleep disorder affects about 18 million Americans, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Although this can affect anyone, it tends to affect men more than women, especially Hispanic and African-American males.

Sleep apnea is no joking matter. If left untreated it can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.

Common symptoms are poor sleep quality, sleepiness during the day, waking up gasping for air, headaches in the morning, dry mouth, insomnia, attention and concentration problems, as well as severe snoring.

If you are like most people, you are not interested in using the CPAP machine. This mask, which pushes air into the nasal passages, does enable easier breathing, but how many people learn to sleep well with a mask on their face? Not to mention the “SO NOT SEXY” factor.

Try some of the following treatment methods to relieve sleep apnea, so you don’t have to rely on a machine for breathing.

1. Almonds

This sounds too simple to be true, but almonds are one tasty way to help improve sleep apnea symptoms. These nuts are high in magnesium, which stimulate sound sleep and muscle relaxation. When the airways are relaxed, you can breathe more easily. Try eating 1 ounce (about a handful) of almonds each day or try some almond butter about an hour before bedtime.

2. See a Chiropractor

Most people who suffer from this sleep disorder have problems in their upper cervical spine, and sometimes even problems with the lower spine. When your spine is out of alignment, it compresses the nerves, interrupting signals between the brain and the respiratory system. A typical problem for those with sleep apnea is that the head is shifted forward more than it should be, which puts stress on the airways. See a chiropractor and explain that you have sleep apnea. They can recommend exercises and take the necessary steps to help put things back in alignment.

3. Honey

Another tasty way to beat this sleep disorder! Honey is full of anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce the swelling in the throat that can obstruct breathing. Honey will also lubricate the throat, which will help to prevent snoring, one of the most common symptoms of this disorder. Honey encourages relaxation and promotes healthy sleep patterns. Add one tablespoon of raw honey to a glass of water and drink about one hour before bedtime. Read more how to choose the right honey.

Continue to Page 2