Sleep apnea is a condition in which there is transient cessation if breathing while sleeping. There are three subtypes that have been identified. They include obstructive, central and complex types. The obstructive subtype is the commonest and is associated with excessive relation of throat muscles. The central type is caused by failure of the brain to send the signals necessary for the respiratory muscles to contract and relax. Several studies on head position in sleep apnea have been carried out.
Among the findings that have come out from various studies is the fact that there is a significant difference in the pattern of air flow between the vertical and horizontal head orientation. While lying supine, breathing has to overcome the effect of gravity. In this orientation, the tissues in the soft palate and the uvula fall back into the throat and cause obstruction. This effect is even greater during sleep because of generalized muscular relaxation.
Snoring, a common associated symptom of apnea is the result of vibration of relaxed tissues within the respiratory tract. If the restriction is too much it will result in complete blockage of air movement. It is important to note that not everyone with the condition snores so other signs and symptoms may be used in making the diagnosis. These include, among others, excessive sleepiness during the day, morning headache and difficulty in paying attention.
In a study published in 2017 it was shown that head position while asleep does indeed influence the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, OSA. In the 26 subjects studied, a less severe form of the condition was seen when they switched sleeping positions from supine (face up) to lateral (left or right). The reduction was only demonstrated in non-obese subjects while there was no significant change among those that were obese.
It is not easy to choose a position in which you will spend the entire sleeping time. This is because, adjustments tend to take place in the the night which alters the option selected initially. For one to have a fixed body orientation, a deliberate effort needs to be undertaken. We will look at examples of options that one may consider.
One of the most effective options is to use a contoured (or memory) pillow. Unlike the ordinary pillow, the contoured pillow maintains its shape at all times. This ensures that the initial sleeping orientation is maintained the entire night. The other major benefit of such pillows is that they maintain neck alignment neck and this serves to improve the quality of sleep.
Another solution that may be considered is what is termed the tennis ball T-shirt. This is a simple solution in which an ordinary T-shirt is has a tennis ball sewn at the back into a patch. The T-shirt is worn at night such that it causes discomfort in the wearer when they lie on their back. This makes them to readjust to the lateral orientation making it easier for them to breath and thus reduce the likelihood of apneic attacks.
Adopting an appropriate sleeping position is vital in the management of sleep apnea when used on its own or alongside other measures. The method is, however, only effective for the obstructive type and not the central central and complex types. If you suspect to be suffering from this condition, you will be well advised to see a physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Among the findings that have come out from various studies is the fact that there is a significant difference in the pattern of air flow between the vertical and horizontal head orientation. While lying supine, breathing has to overcome the effect of gravity. In this orientation, the tissues in the soft palate and the uvula fall back into the throat and cause obstruction. This effect is even greater during sleep because of generalized muscular relaxation.
Snoring, a common associated symptom of apnea is the result of vibration of relaxed tissues within the respiratory tract. If the restriction is too much it will result in complete blockage of air movement. It is important to note that not everyone with the condition snores so other signs and symptoms may be used in making the diagnosis. These include, among others, excessive sleepiness during the day, morning headache and difficulty in paying attention.
In a study published in 2017 it was shown that head position while asleep does indeed influence the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, OSA. In the 26 subjects studied, a less severe form of the condition was seen when they switched sleeping positions from supine (face up) to lateral (left or right). The reduction was only demonstrated in non-obese subjects while there was no significant change among those that were obese.
It is not easy to choose a position in which you will spend the entire sleeping time. This is because, adjustments tend to take place in the the night which alters the option selected initially. For one to have a fixed body orientation, a deliberate effort needs to be undertaken. We will look at examples of options that one may consider.
One of the most effective options is to use a contoured (or memory) pillow. Unlike the ordinary pillow, the contoured pillow maintains its shape at all times. This ensures that the initial sleeping orientation is maintained the entire night. The other major benefit of such pillows is that they maintain neck alignment neck and this serves to improve the quality of sleep.
Another solution that may be considered is what is termed the tennis ball T-shirt. This is a simple solution in which an ordinary T-shirt is has a tennis ball sewn at the back into a patch. The T-shirt is worn at night such that it causes discomfort in the wearer when they lie on their back. This makes them to readjust to the lateral orientation making it easier for them to breath and thus reduce the likelihood of apneic attacks.
Adopting an appropriate sleeping position is vital in the management of sleep apnea when used on its own or alongside other measures. The method is, however, only effective for the obstructive type and not the central central and complex types. If you suspect to be suffering from this condition, you will be well advised to see a physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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