Easy Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person can stop breathing when they are asleep. This means their body is deprived of oxygen for some amount of time. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of other heart disorders and diabetes. There are many treatment options available for sleep apnea, but you can also try to control it using an array of simple home remedies. Here is a compilation of some simple lifestyle changes and home remedies that we found helpful in the treatment of sleep apnea.

1. Weight Loss: According to obesitymedicine.org, sleep apnea affects 25% of the adult population, but as high as 45% of the individuals with obesity. Excessive fat in the upper body, especially around the neck, increases the risk of airway obstruction. This leads to sleep apnea. Although losing weight is not the simplest of all methods, it is undoubtedly the most effective. Several sleep apnea doctors in Seattle recommend patients to lose weight, and many patients have successfully reversed their condition or eliminated the need for complex surgical procedures through weight loss.
2. Quit Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking can cause the accumulation of toxins and minute particles in the airways. The use of tobacco contributes to inflammation and swelling in the airways, worsening sleep apnea. Alcohol is known to relax the throat muscles and is one of the most favorable breathing problems solutions. This can also lead to inflammation in the airways, thus worsening sleep apnea. Hence, it is advisable to give up the habits of consuming alcohol and smoking.
3. Turmeric: This yellow-colored spice is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. It claims to reduce the inflammation in the airways that is responsible for the obstruction. Consuming a spoonful of turmeric mixed in a glass of warm milk before sleeping can reduce the number of times you stop breathing at night.
4. Lavender: This sweet-smelling flower is famed for its fragrance, but it also boasts a soothing influence on your airways. Breathing the scent of pure lavender oil is potent enough to remove the obstruction in your airway that is the root of sleep apnea. There are many ways of consuming it. You can put a few drops of lavender oil into a humidifier in your bedroom or inhale it through steam inhalation. Alternatively, you can put a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow.
5. Almonds: Almonds are regarded as a superfood by many. We can only marvel at the nutritional richness of this seemingly small nut. Almonds are rich in potassium, calcium, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. The magnesium in almonds enables the muscles of our body to relax, turning sleep into an easier task. Almonds are also known to promote weight loss by reducing fat mass. The best way to incorporate this nutrition-packed nut into your diet is to soak it overnight in a bowl of water and snack on it during the day.
6. Garlic: Garlic is well-known for its medicinal qualities in treating a range of heart conditions, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Garlic is dense in antioxidants and is rich in vitamins C, vitamin B6, and manganese. It’s also great for controlling tonsils that can aggravate sleep apnea. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it one of the most lethal weapons against sleep apnea. You can consume a clove of garlic raw, followed by a glass of water before having a meal. Alternatively, garlic can be integrated into diverse common recipes.

These are some of the simplest home remedies that are known to target sleep apnea. However, it is best if they are used in combination with the treatment recommended by your sleep apnea doctor in Seattle. Bear in mind that sleep apnea is a serious disorder and needs proper healthcare. So, please do not limit your treatment to these suggestions as they are not provided by a registered healthcare professional and do not take into account the nuances in every individual.