Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that many people suffer from all over the world. While it is not the most talked about disorder, it can have serious health implications. It affects over 100 million people worldwide, and most cases go undiagnosed.
It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. This is why it is so important to get diagnosed early. If you or someone you know is concerned about having sleep apnea, make an appointment with a doctor today.
If you want to know more about sleep apnea and how to boost your energy, then keep reading!
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect The Body?
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that restricts the flow of oxygen within the body. Essentially, it is a disorder that stops you from breathing while you sleep. This can have serious health consequences and can do a lot of damage to the body.
People with sleep apnea may develop problems such as high blood pressure, hypertension, stroke, heart attacks, and more. It is crucial to get diagnosed early and start treatment if you have not already done so.
There are also some mild symptoms that can bring down a person’s quality of life. People who have sleep apnea can have headaches throughout the day, feel fatigued constantly, have frequent mood swings, have trouble concentrating on tasks, and feel irritable.
There have also been studies that have linked sleep apnea to insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Sleep is vital when it comes to getting things done at home or at work. It is also important for any of us who want to lead a healthy and happy life.
Luckily, there are ways around this. Keep reading below to find out more on what you can do to improve your everyday life with sleep apnea.
How Can I Boost My Energy?
Having a disorder like sleep apnea can make someone feel exhausted at all hours of the day. Without a proper night’s sleep, they may experience headaches in the morning, the inability to concentrate, fatigue, and irritability throughout the day as well.
Without the proper amount of rest, getting things done can be extremely difficult. That is why it is important for those who suffer from sleep apnea to always try and keep their energy up throughout the day. Below, we will go over a few things you can try to incorporate into your daily routine for longer-lasting energy.
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Maintain Your Weight
Over the past few years, scientists and medical professionals have noticed a link between overweight people and sleep apnea. The extra weight around the neck and lungs can create a blockage in the soft tissues of the throat.
It is recommended that people who suffer from sleep apnea lose 10% of their overall body weight. Regular exercise can aid in weight loss, and it is recommended to exercise at least 3 times a week. If your sleep apnea is caused by your weight, then this is an easy way to fix it.
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Eat Healthy
Having a well-balanced diet and eating healthy food is a great way to maintain weight and boost your energy. If you are eating too many processed foods, they can actually make you feel more fatigued during the day.
Some energy-rich foods include salmon, tuna, brown rice, bananas, apples, eggs, coffee, and sweet potatoes. Including these in your meals throughout the day will give you an extra boost of energy when you need it most.
Avoid things like sugar! Sugar makes your energy peak, which is great for a short while until your body starts to crash.
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Stay Hydrated
Our bodies are essentially water, so even if we lose a little throughout the day, it can seriously impact our performance. We all know staying hydrated throughout the day is important for our overall well-being, but it also keeps us energized.
Water helps our brain function, prevents headaches, aids kidney function, and can help with weight loss. It is recommended that you drink up to 8 glasses of water a day. If you live somewhere where the climate is hot, it may be more.
Carrying around a water bottle or setting reminders on your phone is a great way to keep hydrated!
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Avoid Alcohol And Cigarettes
While most people think that alcohol and cigarettes make you more relaxed and allow you to sleep better, they can actually have the opposite effect. They do somewhat relax the body, which can make sleep apnea even worse!
Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the body, making the relaxing of the soft tissues in the throat even worse, which in turn makes sleep apnea more frequent. Cigarettes can also cause breathing issues and make breathing even more difficult.
Not only can both these things worsen your sleep apnea, but they can deplete your energy levels as well. If you are looking for ways to boost your energy, you may want to cut alcohol and cigarettes from your lifestyle.
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Create The Perfect Sleeping Environment
There are a few different ways you can try to improve your sleep. By improving the root of the problem, you will have more energy during the day, especially if you are getting a better night’s rest. There are a few ways you can improve the room you sleep in to make this happen.
Sleeping in a room with a cooler temperature has been scientifically proven to improve sleep. Sleeping on your side is also said to improve breathing as well as decrease snoring. There are body pillows and wedges out there that will also stop you from rolling onto your back while you sleep.
Another great way to improve your environment is by investing in a humidifier. Dry air irritates the throat and sinuses. Adding humidity can help soothe the throat while you sleep. Adding essential oils to a humidifier, such as peppermint, can also ease breathing at night.
