The dangers of sleep apnea are very real and can threaten your life. Thankfully, there are some simple sleep apnea solutions you can use to experience a more restful night’s sleep.

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing while you’re asleep.

With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a portion of the airway closes during the sleeping process that causes the airway to become blocked. The tongue is a common blocker in the airway, as well as the upper portion of the larynx. As your body settles into sleep, the muscles of the throat relax and begin to close. This results in a narrowing of the airway, which interferes you’re your respiration and is a common cause of sleep apnea. In extreme cases, you may briefly stop breathing hundreds of times in one night. The result is a poor night’s rest and fatigue throughout the day.

The other common cause of sleep apnea is when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing while the body is in a state of sleep. This is known as Central Sleep Apnea.

The diagnosis of sleep apnea can be difficult without a complete sleep study. Since sleep apnea and snoring go hand in hand and you cannot hear yourself snore, a family member or spouse can tell you if you’re snoring throughout the night.

Consult your physician if you experience any of the following, or if your partner observes these:

• Snoring loud enough to disturb the sleep of others or yourself
• Shortness of breath that awakens you from sleep
• Intermittent pauses in your breathing during sleep
• Excessive drowsiness that impedes normal functions
• Catching yourself falling asleep while doing routine tasks, like driving, watching television, or working

A physician may refer you to a sleep-study center if they’re concerned that you might have sleep apnea for a sleep apnea test. After an initial appointment to gather information, you’ll be asked to return for an evening. The center will hook you up to several wires and electrodes for a sleep apnea test that monitors your breathing patterns as you sleep.

Once the sleep apnea test is complete, a specialist will analyze your breathing, heart rate and sleep patterns. In some cases, you’ll be asked to return for another night of observation. This time, you’ll sleep wearing a device called a CPAP (Consistent Positive Airway Pressure).

CPAP uses a simple mask connected to a machine that provides constant pressure while you sleep. This keeps your airway open. This is the most common of all sleep apnea solutions.

If CPAP is ineffective, other adjustable airway devices can be used adjust the pressure in the airway while you sleep. Oral devices that shift the position of the jaw in order to open the airway are another treatment option.

Here are some 4 simple home cures for sleep apnea:

1. Stay in good shape by eating right and getting plenty of exercise. Excess weight often contributes to sleep apnea. A healthy diet and regular exercise can sometimes decrease or eliminate the symptoms of sleep apnea.

2. Avoid drinking alcohol before going to sleep. Alcohol and certain medications may relax your muscles to the point that they are the cause of obstructive sleep apnea. Consult your doctor before reducing the dosage or changing the time you take any of your medications.

3. Try sleeping in a different position. Changing sleeping position can often help greatly, especially if you’re used to sleeping on your back. Sleeping on the back is a common cause of sleep apnea and snoring. Try laying on your side or abdomen to get a better night’s sleep.

4. Use those breathing strips you see advertised by athletes. Breathing strips open your nostrils to help you breathe easier. A saline spray or saline irrigation may help to eliminate mucus buildup in the airway and clear the way for easier breathing which can cure your snoring and sleep apnea.

Seek the advice of a family physician to determine which of these cures for sleep apnea is best for your particular situation. For information on sleep studies and to find a center in your area, contact your local hospital or speak with your doctor. The dangers of sleep apnea are real but there are many cures for sleep apnea that can help you quickly start sleeping again. The sooner you start using the cures, the sooner you’ll experience the restful night’s sleep your body so desperately needs.

Wil Dieck is the founder of Total Mind Therapy and author of an e-Course “Overcoming Insomnia” that you can have at absolutely no charge. Drop by http://howtosleepinfo.com/ for your copy today.