Sleep apnea is characterized by stoppage of breathing for a couple of seconds when sleeping. There main subtypes of this condition exist based on the main cause. These are the central, obstructive and mixed or complex types. The commonest among the three is the obstructive type which usually results from excessive relation of throat muscles. The cause of the central type is due to inability of the brain to send appropriate signals to respiratory muscles. The effect of head position in sleep apnea has been extensively studied.
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 is a common symptom of apnea. It has been identified as resulting from the vibration of relaxed tissues in the respiratory tract. If the restriction to air is too much, there complete cessation of breathing and one has to wake up to restore their breathing pattern. It is worth noting that snoring is not always present and so a diagnosis of the condition will be based on other signs and symptoms. Such include difficulties in paying attention when one is awake, morning headaches and increased sleepiness.
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 possible solution is the use of what is referred to as the tennis ball T-shirt. This is a t-shirt that is modified by having a tennis ball sewn into it. The ball is strategically placed into a patch on the back such that it causes some discomfort when one lies on their back. They will naturally readjust into the lateral position which is what is desired. The results from the use of this t-shirt have been variable.
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 is a common symptom of apnea. It has been identified as resulting from the vibration of relaxed tissues in the respiratory tract. If the restriction to air is too much, there complete cessation of breathing and one has to wake up to restore their breathing pattern. It is worth noting that snoring is not always present and so a diagnosis of the condition will be based on other signs and symptoms. Such include difficulties in paying attention when one is awake, morning headaches and increased sleepiness.
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 possible solution is the use of what is referred to as the tennis ball T-shirt. This is a t-shirt that is modified by having a tennis ball sewn into it. The ball is strategically placed into a patch on the back such that it causes some discomfort when one lies on their back. They will naturally readjust into the lateral position which is what is desired. The results from the use of this t-shirt have been variable.
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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