What is sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in a person’s throat relax, blocking the airway and causing a momentary cessation of breathing. The person then wakes up, gasps for air, and goes back to sleep. The sleep apnea process can repeat hundreds of times a night, preventing the body from entering deep sleep and depriving it of much-needed oxygen. This can result in high blood pressure, leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Most sleep apnea patients are prescribed CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy to keep the airway open. It will take a long time to get used to a machine blowing air into the lungs.

Sleep apnea sleep tips

Choose the best sleep position for sleep apnea

Spend most of the night sleeping on my back, which doctors say is the worst position for breathing disorders like apnea and snoring. Lying supine can allow your soft palate to relax and block your airway. Side-sleeping, on the other hand, is less likely to result in obstruction. You’ll probably need a softer mattress for this to work, because side sleeping puts the greatest amount of pressure on your hips and shoulders, or you can specifically look for the best mattress for sleep apnea.

Clean your CPAP regularly.

Your CPAP sits by your bedside all day, gathering dirt, dust and grime. If you have a humidifier, that moisture makes a CPAP even more inviting for bacteria. At least once a week, in the morning, dunk your CPAP in soapy water.

Maintain your CPAP like any other piece of machinery.

The CPAP is partly mechanical, so it can be finicky. Pay attention to how it sounds every night, and note anything unusual. Make sure to check and replace the filters, as this can contribute to noise and faults with the motor.

CPAP machine changed my life immeasurably for the better, but it’s not a magic cure for all sleep problems. You still need to maintain an otherwise healthy lifestyle, especially if you have some of the underlying conditions that lead to apnea in the first place.