Lifestyle Changes

 Some changes in your daily habits can help treat sleep apnea.

• Avoid alcohol and any medications that make you sleepy. These can make it more difficult for your throat to stay open while sleeping.
• If you are overweight or obese, weight loss can improve your symptoms.
• Sleeping on your side can help your throat stay open. There are special pillows that can prevent you from sleeping on your back.
• If needed, use nasal sprays or allergy medicines to keep your nasal passages open.
• If you smoke, you can quit to improve your sleep apnea.

Talk to your doctor about your sleep apnea and the changes that you can make in your life to treat it. They can offer advice for programs on losing weight or to quit smoking and can help you find the right medications that won’t disrupt your airways.