Sleep Apnea Management Chevy Chase, MD Sleep Apnea Management Chevy Chase, MD

When you suffer from sleep apnea, you should contact the Pain Arthritis Relief Center to see how we can help you with sleep apnea management Chevy Chase, MD residents trust. Sleep apnea can be a scary and debilitating condition and you or your partner may have noticed that when you go to sleep, you often take very shallow breaths or you may even pause breathing. When someone sees a person with sleep apnea, it can be scary. In fact, many people who suffer from sleep apnea wake up gasping for air because their brain is telling them to wake up. If you need sleep apnea management in the Chevy Chase, Maryland area, please call our office.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

You may not have been aware that you suffered from sleep apnea until someone told you that you had it. Once you know, though, it is likely that you begin seeing the other symptoms of sleep apnea. Some of these are:

  • Suffering from insomnia
  • Feeling restless throughout the night
  • Suffering from headaches or migraines during the day
  • Snoring loudly during sleep
  • Waking up with a sore or dry throat in the morning

Before you undergo sleep apnea management Chevy Chase, MD has to offer, it is important to think about what you’ve heard about the condition. More than likely some of what you know is a misconception. In fact, there are so many myths or misconceptions that some people choose not to get treatment.

Common Myths About Sleep Apnea

  • Myth – You snore so you must have sleep apnea.

Truth – This is one of the biggest myths related to sleep apnea. If you snore, you probably have sleep apnea. Snoring is a symptom of the condition, but not all snorers suffer from it. About 40-45 percent of adults snore, but only 15-25 percent of those who snore have sleep apnea. Before you are treated with sleep apnea management in Chevy Chase, MD, you will undergo various tests to ensure the right diagnosis. If you snore and do not have sleep apnea, you might have congestion, a collapsed nasal structure, a soft palate, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes.

  • Myth – Treatment for sleep apnea is not necessary. 

Truth – Sleep apnea is a very serious condition that can be life-threatening. If you think you have the condition or have been diagnosed with it, but have chosen not to undergo management for sleep apnea in Chevy Chase, Maryland, now is the time to take action. The mental and physical health complications can be extreme. High blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease, depression, and fatigue are a few examples of issues you might experience.

  • Myth – I Am Too Young for Sleep Apnea

Truth – Although sleep apnea affects older adults, and men more than women, anyone can suffer from the condition. About 10 percent of children between 2 and 8 years of age have sleep apnea. Regardless of how old you are, if you have the signs, you should see a sleep apnea doctor.

  • Myth – Only Overweight People Get Sleep Apnea

Truth – Sleep apnea can cause obesity, and obese or overweight people may be more vulnerable to the condition. However, anyone, of any size, can be impacted by the disorder. It is believed that genetics may have a role in the condition, but this is not proven.

  • Myth – Alcohol Can Stop Sleep Apnea

Truth – Some people believe that alcohol helps to get a good night’s sleep. While alcohol can help a person to fall asleep, or pass out, they may fail to get adequate sleep. Alcohol reduces the Rapid Eye Movement stage in sleep. This means that if you have sleep apnea and you consume alcohol before bed, you will likely be even more tired the following day.

  • Myth – You Are Just Depressed

Truth – Sleep apnea can cause depression. This is related to an ongoing lack of sleep, little energy to do anything, and feeling upset or bad about your current life situation. Correcting your sleep apnea can reduce the symptoms of depression.

Misinformation about sleep apnea is rampant. If you believe you have the condition or struggle to get a good night’s rest, call our clinic to learn more about our sleep apnea management in Chevy Chase, MD.

What kind of treatment can I get for my sleep apnea?

Our chiropractors have a Chevy Chase, MD sleep apnea management program that could be right for you. When you visit our office, we will need you to fill out several forms describing the symptoms you are dealing with and your health history. When a person is having problems breathing, it is often related to other ailments in the body. Soft tissue massage and spinal manipulation are two popular methods that our chiropractors use in our Chevy Chase sleep apnea management therapy.

If you are interested in seeing how our chiropractors at the Pain Arthritis Relief Center can help with your sleep apnea through our sleep apnea management in Chevy Chase, MD, call us to schedule your first consultation.

Self-Care Advice for Sleep Apnea

If you have sleep apnea, your physician can help you with sleep apnea management Chevy Chase, MD residents trust. However, in the meantime, you can take steps at home to improve your condition. Here are a few self-care tips to follow.

  • Get Down to a Healthy Weight: While not every patient with sleep apnea is overweight, many of them are. If you are overweight, you may have fat deposits in your neck that block your airway while you sleep. If you lose weight, you could dramatically improve your symptoms. Cut junk food out of your diet and eat more chicken, fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Try to exercise most days of the week to burn extra calories.
  • Change Your Sleeping Position: The way you sleep can have a big impact on your sleep apnea. Many people who experience breathing problems while they sleep lie on their back. If you currently sleep on your back, try sleeping on your side from now on. If you think you may continue rolling back over on your back, try putting two tennis balls into a sock and pinning it on the back of your pajamas.
  • Establish a Regular Sleep Schedule: The more well-rested you are, the fewer sleep apnea episodes you are likely to experience. That is why you should try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Consider doing a relaxing activity, such as yoga or reading a book, before bedtime so that can you fall asleep easier.
  • Stop Smoking: If you are a smoker, now may be the time to stop. Smoking tobacco can increase inflammation in your upper airway, making it more difficult to breathe while you sleep. If you are having trouble quitting on your own, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for advice on how to stop the habit.
  • Limit Alcohol: Reducing how many alcoholic beverages you drink is also effective for sleep apnea management in Chevy Chase, MD. Alcohol can make it more difficult for you to breathe while you sleep, making your sleep apnea worse. When you want to have an alcoholic beverage, drink it several hours before you go to bed. 
  • Clean Up Your Diet: What you eat can also impact on your sleep apnea. If you don’t get enough rest every night, you are more likely to eat sugary food and simple carbohydrates, which can make your sleep apnea symptoms worse. Try to include more fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins and whole grains in your diet. Eating a nutritious diet can also improve your heart health and boost your immune system.

    Call us to schedule your first consultation.