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What Are Some Positions To Help With Sleep Apnea?

What Are Some Positions To Help With Sleep Apnea?

November 23, 2022
What Are Some Positions To Help With Sleep Apnea?

Sleep is crucial for our mental, physical, and emotional health, but catching enough sleep can be challenging for some, especially if you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can have such a negative impact on your health figuring out how to get better sleep will go a long way to helping you reclaim your life. 


What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea
Woman able to sleep due to sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops and repeatedly restarts during sleep. You may not be able to get enough oxygen into your body as a result. If you snore or gasp during sleep or are excessively sleepy during the day, you should consult your healthcare provider about sleep apnea.


There are two types of sleep apnea.

  • An obstructed airway in the upper airway can reduce or completely stop airflow during sleep, referred to as obstructive sleep apnea. Among the most common types of sleep apnea, this is the most common. Obesity, large tonsils, or changes in hormone levels can narrow your airway, increasing your risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Central sleep apnea happens when your brain does not send the signals needed to breathe. Health conditions affecting your brain’s control of your airway and chest muscles can cause central sleep apnea.


The signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas overlap, sometimes making it difficult to determine which type you have. The most common signs and symptoms include:

  • Awakening with a dry mouth
  • Morning headache
  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping for air during sleep
  • Difficulty paying attention while awake
  • Irritability 
  • Difficulty staying asleep 
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness 
  • Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep 


You can manage these symptoms using this recommended medicine that is usually used for sleep apnea:

  • Armodafinil – this medication promotes wakefulness upon intake. Armodafinil increases the amount in the brain by reducing the reuptake of dopamine in nerves. As a result, it promotes wakefulness


Why Is The Position Of Sleeping Important?

Most adults settle into bed without giving a second thought to how they are situated. It is such a routine habit that many do not consider the health effects of sleeping one way or another. Yet, sleep researchers and doctors say that our sleeping position matters.

Sleeping on your stomach, back, or side can make a difference in terms of snoring, sleep apnea symptoms, neck and back pain, and other medical conditions. 


What Is The Best Position For Sleeping?

It is not new that sleep is vital to health in many ways. But you may be surprised to find out that how you sleep at night may impact sleep quality and other health conditions. Here’s the best position of sleep you can try:


Sleeping on Your Side

Most people find this sleeping position to be the most comfortable, and for a good reason. The lateral posture is recommended by physicians and sleep specialists because it has several benefits. With the right mattress, the spine can remain elongated and relatively neutral while on your side. This helps prevent undue neck, back, and shoulder pain.


Sleeping on your side is recommended for people who suffer from loud snoring or sleep apnea since the airway is less likely to become restricted when the body is relaxed. There is evidence that it can reduce the number of apneas at night and provide a more restful and better sleep quality. Additionally, people with arthritis, acid reflux, and neck and back problems should sleep in the lateral position. It is recommended that pregnant women sleep on their left side, especially in their second and third trimesters. This is because of enhanced blood flow to the placenta and improved kidney function, which helps decrease swelling in the mother’s legs and feet.


Sleeping on your side is most comfortable when your chest and legs are relatively straight, and your spine is elongated yet in a natural alignment. A firm, medium-height pillow or ergonomic cushion should provide head and neck support. Resting your legs between pillows is more comfortable to relieve lower back pressure. This provides more support for the hips, pelvis, and lower back. 

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