Weight reduction. Weight loss is very important because it decreases the amount of obstruction in the throat. Weight loss of 10% is often enough to reduce the number of apneic events for most people, while a significant amount of weight loss is oftentimes enough to stop sleep apnea symptoms altogether. Changing body position. Raise the bed headboard between 30 and 45 degrees. Wear a fanny pack with tennis balls in it to prevent you from sleeping on your back. Eliminating or reducing alcohol consumption. Alcohol (and other sedatives) relaxes the tongue and pharyngeal muscles and may exacerbate the apnea problem. Avoid alcohol consumption before bedtime. |
