Sleep apnoea happens if your airways become too narrow while you sleep. This stops you breathing properly.
The main symptoms of sleep apnoea include;
- Making gasping, snorting or choking noises
- Breathing stopping and starting
- Loud snoring
- Waking up a lot
If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are some things you can do to help.
Do
- Try to lose weight if you're overweight
- Exercise regularly- being active can improve your symptoms and help you keep to a healthy weight
- Have good sleep habits like making sure your bedroom is dark & quiet and going to bed and waking up at the same time each day
- Sleep on your side – try taping a tennis ball to the back of your sleepwear, or buy a special pillow or bed wedge to help keep you on your side
Don’t
- Do not smoke
- Do not drink too much alcohol – especially shortly before going to sleep
- Do not take sleeping pills unless recommended by a doctor – they can make sleep apnoea worse
