Home Remedies And Diet For Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea refers to the temporary pause of breath, during sleep. It is a serious disorder, as long pauses or cessation of breath, proves life threatening and fatal. The duration of every pause varies from, ten to twenty seconds, which sums up to twenty or thirty times, in an hourly basis. Inadequate passage of air to the lungs, through the nose or mouth is the major reason for this condition. This inadequate flow results in temporary cessation of breath. A choking sound indicates the resumption of normal breathing pattern. This in turn results in a temporary drop in the oxygen levels, in the blood. Sleep apnea is of two types, namely obstructive and central. Obstructive apnea is a result of a physical block, during breathing. Central sleep apnea is due to a lack of effort in regular breathing. Lack of treatment of sleep apnea results in irregular heart beat, heart attack, hypertension, heart failure and stroke.

Natural Cures For Sleep Apnea

There is no specific dietary regimen, though slight alterations in the diet contribute to betterment of the condition, in various ways. Maintenance of body weight is important. Sleep apnea is more common in the obese. Excessive body fat in the upper parts of the body, namely the chest and neck results in the constriction of the respiratory passage. Alcohol and smoking are not preferred. Change the sleeping posture, often, so as to ensure regular and smooth breathing. Do not sleep on the back, but sleep laterally. Polysomnography is a diagnostic test, which helps to detect the number of physiologic variables, during sleep.

Research also reveals the association between severe sleep apnea and a unhealthy diet. Increase in the intake of fat, cholesterol and saturated fatty acids results in obstructive sleep apnea. Poor physical activity or lack of exercise results in improper weight gain, which in turn results in sleep apnea. Poor dietary habits increase the incidence of stroke and heart disease, in individuals with sleep apnea. The incidence of cardiovascular disease is higher in individuals with sleep apnea, in comparison with those, without the disorder. Sleep apnea is associated with a high craving for carbohydrates and a high body mass index. A disruption in sleep, which is seen in obstructive sleep apnea, increases the craving for fatty foods. It also affects the appetite regulating hormones, thereby affecting the intake. Poor sleep quality forces the individuals to opt for high calories, to indirectly enhance their energy levels.