How to Treat Sleep Apnea Naturally?

Diane Carbo

Sep 20, 2023 — 9 min read

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It can disrupt the quality of your sleep and cause a range of daytime symptoms including daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.

There are a few possible causes of sleep apnea, including physical structure of the airway, obesity, use of certain medications, smoking, drinking alcohol, and age. Additionally, some people are at higher risk for sleep apnea such as those with large neck sizes, and certain developmental conditions such as Down syndrome.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, it's important to talk to your doctor to determine an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. In this article we will discuss natural strategies for treating sleep apnea.

Overview: Natural Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have serious implications on one’s health. Fortunately, there are a variety of natural treatments that can help you manage your sleep apnea and improve your quality of sleep. In this section, we will provide an overview of these natural treatments for sleep apnea.

The first step in treating sleep apnea naturally is to assess whether you have it. To do this, you should look for the common symptoms of sleep apnea such as snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, and daytime fatigue. If you suspect you have it, you should consult with a healthcare professional for further diagnosis.

Once you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to improve your sleep quality. It is important to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and establish good sleep hygiene such as reducing your caffeine, alcohol, and sugar intake late in the afternoon or evening. Additionally, exercising regularly and managing your stress levels can also help to improve your sleep quality.

In addition to lifestyle changes, diet changes can also help reduce sleep apnea. Eating small, frequent meals high in fiber and low in sugar can help to regulate your blood sugar throughout the night. Additionally, consuming foods that are rich in magnesium such as dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, and legumes can help improve your sleep quality.

Herbal remedies and essential oils can also be used to reduce sleep apnea. Herbal remedies such as chamomile and lavender can be consumed in tea form, while essential oils such as sandalwood or lavender oil can be diffused into the air or applied topically to the skin. Research has shown that these remedies can lead to improved sleep quality.

Finally, learning about body position education and utilizing peak flow meters can also be helpful in managing sleep apnea. Body position education is the practice of lying on one’s side to reduce apneas, while peak flow meters measure obstruction in the airways during sleep. Furthermore, engaging in specific breathing exercises can help to relax the body and improve breathing effectiveness.

Assessing Your Sleep Apnea

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it's important to assess your symptoms and start exploring natural treatments. To accurately identify the disorder, you should consult with a doctor. However, here are some things you can do on your own to start assessing for sleep apnea.

Keep a sleep diary. Note how many hours of sleep you get per night and if you're feeling fatigued or agitated during the day.
Pay attention to dreams. If you keep experiencing nightmares or vivid dreamscapes, it may be an indication of sleep apnea.
Check for compatible symptoms. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include daytime sleepiness, snoring, and waking up with a dry mouth or headache.
Speak to your partner. Listen to your partner’s feedback about your sleep pattern. Ask them if they've noticed abnormal pauses in your breathing or if you tend to wake up abruptly.
Take a home apnea test. Attach a pulse oximeter to your fingertip before bed and measure your sleeping oxygen levels. Low oxygen supply is a common symptom of apnea.

Although self-assessment isn't a definitive diagnosis, it can help determine whether or not you need to speak to a doctor about sleep apnea.

Improving Sleep Hygiene

Having healthy habits can have a great impact on your sleep quality and reduce symptoms of sleep apnea. It is important to avoid some substances, such as caffeine, alcohol and sugar late in the afternoon, to give your body time to properly relax and prepare for sleep. Additionally, exercising consistently and having regular sleeping patterns can help you improve your sleep hygiene.

Creating a Bedtime Routine

Establishing a bedtime routine helps your body understand it is time for rest. A few minutes before going to bed, start preparing for it by dimming the lights, turn off the TV and turn on some relaxing music. You can also do some breathing exercises to get your body prepared to wind down and relax.

Managing Stress

Stress can interfere with your sleeping pattern and worsen symptoms of sleep apnea. It is important to develop strategies to help manage stress throughout the day to make sure you are getting enough rest at night. Some activities that can help reduce stress are meditation, yoga, mindfulness or taking a walk outside. It is essential to prioritize self-care and focus on calming activities in your daily routine.

Diet

What you eat affects your sleep quality. Making dietary changes can help to improve sleep quality and reduce sleep apnea. Here are some tips for making dietary changes that may help reduce sleep apnea.

Aim to eat regular meals throughout the day, with a focus on including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Limit processed foods high in saturated fats which can contribute to obesity.
Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Increase intakes of magnesium-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds like pumpkin seeds, and avocados.
Include tart cherries, which contain melatonin, in your diet.
Consume fish, such as salmon, which are high in omega 3 fatty acids and can help improve sleep quality.
Add foods that contain tryptophan such as turkey, bananas and dairy products.
Cut down or eliminate caffeine intake, particularly after noon.
Reduce sugar consumption.
Avoid alcohol close to bedtime.

Herbal Remedies for Sleep Apnea

Herbs can be a natural and safe way to treat sleep apnea. There are many herbs which have been studied and known to improve sleep quality. Here are some of the most effective herbs for treating sleep apnea:

Valerian: Research suggests valerian can reduce the frequency and severity of apneas when taken before bedtime
Lavender: Lavender oil has been used in aromatherapy for many years and is believed to help reduce the frequency of apneas at night by calming the body and mind
Chamomile: Drinking chamomile tea before bed can reduce apnea symptoms, as it has mild sedative effects
Passionflower: Passionflower extract has been found to reduce the frequency of apneas at night

Herbs should always be taken with care and dosage guidance should be followed as some can have side-effects or be contraindicated with medical conditions or medications. If you are interested in using herbal remedies to reduce your sleep apnea symptoms, talk to your doctor first.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural plant extracts and have been used in aromatherapy for centuries. Studies suggest there is potential for essential oils to help treat sleep apnea. For example, the use of peppermint oil has been linked to a reduction in sleep apnea symptoms, such as snoring.

Essential oils should be used with caution, as some of them are highly concentrated and can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. Essential oils can be safely used by diffusing a few drops in a room, adding them to a bath, or applying diluted oil to the skin. Peppermint oil may be especially helpful for improving nighttime breathing and reducing snoring.

It’s important to always use high-quality essential oils from reputable brands, and follow all instructions on how to use them safely. Be sure to consult your doctor before using essential oils for treating sleep apnea.

Body Position Education: The Impact of Sleeping on Your Side

Did you know that the way you sleep can have a major impact on your sleep apnea symptoms? With the right sleeping position, you can reduce the severity of your apneas. The most recommended position to sleep in for those who suffer from sleep apnea is lying on your side.

When you are sleeping on your back, gravity will cause your tongue and other tissues in your throat to relax and block your airway. By sleeping on your side instead, you prevent this from happening, which can reduce the number of apneas you experience throughout the night.

In addition to sleeping on your side, it's also important to keep your head elevated so that your airways remain open while you sleep. Try using more than one pillow to prop yourself up, or invest in an adjustable bed frame. Such methods can make a huge difference in the quality of your sleep.

Weight Management: Exploring the Link to Sleep Apnea

Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of managing sleep apnea. Obesity can cause an increase in fatty tissue in the throat, which narrows the airway and reduces airflow. For this reason, it is essential to try to reach or maintain a healthy weight.

There are many different ways to lose weight successfully. A common approach is to reduce calorie intake and increase physical activity. Eating more vegetables and fruits is one way to do this naturally. Additionally, reducing sugar intake and avoiding processed snacks and drinks can be beneficial. Drinking more water instead of sugary drinks is also recommended.

Exercise is an essential aspect of any weight management plan. It can help burn off calories and build muscle. It has been shown to improve overall health and well-being, as well as reduce sleep apnea. Aiming for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day can improve overall health and make a difference in sleep apnea symptoms.

In addition to diet and exercise, there are medical procedures and treatments available to help manage weight. For people with severe obesity, bariatric surgery is one option. This type of surgery can lead to significant weight loss which can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

Peak Flow Meters

Peak Flow Meters are medical devices designed to measure air flow obstruction in the airways during sleep. These meters are relatively small, handheld devices that can measure the speed at which air leaves the nose and mouth during breathing. The information provided by these meters can help diagnose and monitor the severity of sleep apnea.

When using a peak flow meter, the patient inhales deeply and then exhales their breath into the device as quickly as possible. The device then displays a reading on a scale that indicates the amount of air that was able to be expelled from the lungs. This information can be used to assess the severity of sleep apnea and how it affects breathing during sleep.

In addition to providing information about air flow obstruction, peak flow meters can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for sleep apnea such as lifestyle changes, diet modifications, or medical devices. These meters can be used to measure both short-term and long-term improvements in breathing patterns and can help inform decisions regarding medical interventions.

Breathing Exercises

Deep and controlled breathing can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea and improve overall sleep quality. While there is no miracle cure, certain breathing exercises have been known to have positive effects.

These include:

Square breathing: Taking four equal-length breaths, counting to four each time, and focusing on the breath
Alternate nostril breathing: Blocking off one nostril and breathing in deeply through the other nostril before switching
Abdominal breathing: Placing one hand on the chest and one on the belly, allowing the breath to come through the stomach instead of the chest

Taking up a regular practice of breathing exercises can be incredibly beneficial in helping to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. Not only will the breathing exercises help to reduce the risk of shallow breathing, they can also help reduce stress, relax the body and mind, and prepare you for a good night’s rest.

Conclusion
Treating sleep apnea naturally requires making lifestyle, diet and activity changes as well as trying out herbal remedies and essential oils. Making a few simple changes to your daily routine can help reduce sleep apnea and improve sleep quality. These steps include avoiding caffeine, alcohol and sugar late in the day, eating foods that promote healthy sleep, using herbs to fight sleep apnea, diffusing or using essential oils, learning to sleep on your side, managing weight, using peak flow meters, and incorporating breathing exercises into your routine. By following these steps, you can manage sleep apnea naturally and improve your sleep quality at the same time.