Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Snoring loudly and feeling tired after a full night's sleep maybe signs of sleep apnea. Two main types of sleep apnea are Obstructive and Central.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax. These muscles support the soft palate, the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate (uvula), the tonsils, the side walls of the throat and the tongue. When the muscles relax, the airway narrows or closes when inhaling, and can't get an adequate breath in. The brain senses this inability to breathe and briefly rouses sleep to reopen the airway. This awakening is usually so brief that it’s not remembered.

Snorting, choking or gasping sound maybe made. This pattern can repeat five to 30 times or more each hour all night long. Obstructive sleep apnea suffers may not be aware that their sleep was interrupted some think they sleep well.
Central Sleep Apnea is much less common occurs when the brain fails to transmit signals to the breathing muscles. Shortness of breath when awaken or having a difficult time getting or staying asleep; like with obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and daytime sleepiness can occur.
The most common cause of central sleep apnea is heart failure and less common is stroke. Those with central sleep apnea may be more likely to remember awakening than are people with obstructive sleep apnea. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/basics/definition/CON-20020286

Tonic Herb Remedies & the CPAP Treatment          
Do not attempt any treatment without medical consultation.  

Garlic helps to relieve enlarged tonsils and alleviate inflammation in the respiratory system making it easier to breathe normally. You can consume a paste of crushed garlic and warm water before sleeping.

·         Open airways/breathing: http://thehealthalert.blogspot.com/2013/04/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease.html

·         Balances body systems, Strengthens organs, Weight-loss: http://thehealthalert.blogspot.com/2012/11/power-to-tonic-nutritional-garlic.html#uds-search-results

Yoga involves breathing exercises beneficial in opening up air passages. With regular practice it is possible to control your breathing and ensure proper passage of air in and out of the body.

Indian gooseberry also helps to regulate breathing during sleep. Steep some pieces in hot water and bring to a boil, strain and drink when warm. Grind the leaves into a powder and consume with warm water.

Severe cases of sleep apnea may be treated through continuous positive airway pressure CPAP. This involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth. Pressurized air is blown through the mask so that the airway stays open. In some cases surgery may be required to remove excess tissue in the throat. http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Sleep-Apnea.html

CPAP machine

Will I have to wear CPAP forever? The answer is...it depends. There are three general categories people fall into that use CPAP: airway architecture, large tonsils, and obesity.http://sleepandcpap.blogspot.com/2010/05/cpap-forever.html

Holistic Approach: Improve nighttime breathing with a holistic approach to sleep. www.sleepworks.com/ ‎

Mechanical Devices: The Winx Sleep Therapy System is an innovative home-use device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. The system’s flexible mouthpiece allows for uninterrupted breathing through the nose without a mask. http://apnicure.com/sleep-apnea-herapysystem/?gclid=CLm1v5P64rsCFQISMwodOUQAiw

There is no specific Sleep Apnea Diet. Ease breathing disorders by cutting down on foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Sleep apnea is closely related to obesity; a healthy low-fat diet is important, also helps lower risks of other health complications. http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Sleep-Apnea.html

Foods and Conditions to Avoid Avoid                                                                                                                                                        Bananas a valuable source of fiber and nutrients may increase mucus production and exacerbate breathing problems associated with sleep apnea. For this reason, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends avoiding bananas and other mucus-producing foods for two weeks to determine whether they are contributing to your symptoms.

Obesity can aggravate sleep apnea; slight weight loss can significantly improve the symptoms by opening airways. Caffeine can interfere with the normal sleep rhythm. Smoking can lead to accumulation of fluid in the throat and can also cause inflammation in the upper airways. Alcohol and Sedatives can cause the throat muscles to relax which disrupts breathing. Eating a heavy meal just before bedtime can prevent proper sleep. Maintaining a steady sleeping schedule can help to reduce episodes of sleep apnea. http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Sleep-Apnea.html

Dairy Products whole milk, heavy cream and high-fat cheeses may also trigger or worsen mucus production. Rich sources of saturated fat whole milk products may increase your risk for sleep apnea-related health risks, such as heart disease. Research at American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Center: 72 overweight patients with sleep apnea consumed a diet limited in dairy and saturated fat. Participants showed positive correlation between avoiding these foods and improved symptoms, weight loss, better quality of life.

High-fat meats supply rich amounts of saturated fat increase risks for cardiovascular problems and may trigger or worsen inflammation in your body. Univ. Maryland Medical Center recommends replacing high-fat steaks with cold-water fish like salmon instead of porterhouse and top sirloin steak, bacon, pork chops, lamb, sausage, meat-topped pizza, fast food breakfast sandwiches, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, deli meats, veal cutlets, bratwursts, fried chicken and spareribs.
Refined Carbohydrates are foods high in added sugars such as cane sugar corn syrup, or enriched flour. Unlike whole grains and starchy vegetables refined carbohydrates contribute calories but few dietary benefits. http://www.livestrong.com/article/364229-foods-that-make-sleep-apnea-worse/

Video: What happens during obstructive sleep apnea? http://www.mayoclinic.org/obstructive-sleep-apnea/VID-20084717

 The TONIC Nutritional Garlic Supplement is made from a centuries-old recipe originally taken seasonally to prevent colds and flu. The combination of organic ingredients contains the power of raw garlic and no unpleasant residue formulated to help maintain Good Health, Naturally.

This is not medicine or medical advice. Supplements may react adversely with synthetic drugs.

Consult doctor for all health concerns.