Have you been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? This condition can make it seem nearly impossible to achieve sufficient rest each night. When your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, your natural sleep cycle becomes disrupted. As a result, you may wake up feeling exhausted day after day, and your overall health may begin to decline. You might wonder what steps you can take to lessen the impact of OSA on your daily life. While professional treatment remains essential, you can also explore lifestyle adjustments that may help reduce symptoms. For example, you might try sleeping in a recliner! This blog post explores how doing so might increase sleep quality.
The Benefits of Sleeping in a Recliner
OSA typically occurs when tissues in the throat collapse and block your airway, especially when you lie flat on your back. In this position, gravity encourages these tissues to obstruct airflow. However, when you elevate your upper body by sleeping in a recliner, gravity begins to work in your favor. Researchers have observed that an incline between 30 and 60 degrees can decrease the severity of OSA symptoms in many individuals. By positioning yourself at an angle, you may help keep your airway open and improve your breathing throughout the night.
Better airflow is just one potential benefit of sleeping in a recliner. Studies suggest that approximately 60 percent of people with OSA also struggle with acid reflux. Fortunately, you may notice that symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) become less pronounced when you sleep at an incline. Elevating your upper body can reduce the likelihood of stomach acid flowing back into your esophagus, which may help you experience more comfortable nights.
Do You Really Need a Recliner?
Although sleeping in a recliner offers some nice advantages, you do not necessarily need to purchase one to achieve great results. If you would prefer to stay in your bed, that is entirely possible! You may use a bed wedge or an adjustable mattress to create an inclined position that supports better breathing and reduces acid reflux. Either method can help you experience the advantages of sleeping at an angle.
The Importance of Professional Care for OSA
While changing your sleep position can have a positive effect, you should not rely solely on a recliner or other minor lifestyle adjustments to manage OSA. Professional treatment remains crucial for your health and well-being. For example, a dentist can provide you with an oral appliance that keeps your airway open. This type of device works effectively regardless of your sleeping position and offers convenience when you travel and do not have access to your preferred sleeping arrangement.
It might take a bit of time to find a routine that keeps your OSA symptoms under control. Hopefully, with a combination of the right sleeping position, professional treatment, and other adjustments, you will soon be enjoying more restful nights!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Keven Grill is a highly skilled dentist who works alongside local experts to help diagnose and treat OSA. He is particularly adept at providing custom oral appliances that promote healthy breathing during sleep. To learn more about how Dr. Grill and our Huntsville team may be able to serve you, contact us at 937-843-3932.