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.
It has become evident that the dynamics of air movement in the respiratory tract show marked differences when one is in the upright position and when they lie down horizontally. Lying horizontally often causes some of the tissues in the airways particularly the soft palate and the uvula to fall back and cause restriction to the flow of air during respiration. This effect is even more pronounced during sleep due to excessive relaxation of these muscles.
Snoring is among the commonest symptoms of apnea. It is caused by vibration of tissues in the airways as the inspired air moves through. In cases where there is excessive obstruction, complete cessation of breathing will occur. The individual will have to wake up so as to restore breathing. It is important to be aware of the fact that snoring is not always present and other signs and symptoms will be used in making the diagnosis of this condition. These will include, for example, headaches in the morning, increased sleepiness and difficulties in paying attention.
A study carried out in 2017 yielded findings that strongly suggested that the head position during sleep has an effect on the severity of symptoms. It was demonstrated that there is a significant reduction in number of episodes of apnea when the subjects in this study changed their sleeping position from supine to lateral. The changes were, however, not seen among obese subjects.
Sleeping position is not always easy to determine. While one may decide on a particular orientation, there is a tendency to vary in the night as the body adjusts to get to the most comfortable position. There are a number of ways that can be used to ensure that this choice is deliberate. We will look at some of them.
One of the solutions that have been proposed in maintaining sleeping position is the memory or contoured pillow. Such a pillow maintains its shape throughout the course of sleep thus also maintains the orientation of the body . This is in contrast to ordinary pillows that tend to change shape from time to time. Contoured pillows also assist with keeping the neck and spine in place.
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.
The adoption of an appropriate sleeping position has been suggested as one of the strategies that can be used in controlling the symptoms of sleep apnea. It may be used as a standalone intervention or alongside other forms of managing the condition. One must bear in mind that this option only works for the obstructive and not the central and mixed types. If you have features suggestive of the condition, you need to see a doctor so that the right classification and appropriate management can be done.
It has become evident that the dynamics of air movement in the respiratory tract show marked differences when one is in the upright position and when they lie down horizontally. Lying horizontally often causes some of the tissues in the airways particularly the soft palate and the uvula to fall back and cause restriction to the flow of air during respiration. This effect is even more pronounced during sleep due to excessive relaxation of these muscles.
Snoring is among the commonest symptoms of apnea. It is caused by vibration of tissues in the airways as the inspired air moves through. In cases where there is excessive obstruction, complete cessation of breathing will occur. The individual will have to wake up so as to restore breathing. It is important to be aware of the fact that snoring is not always present and other signs and symptoms will be used in making the diagnosis of this condition. These will include, for example, headaches in the morning, increased sleepiness and difficulties in paying attention.
A study carried out in 2017 yielded findings that strongly suggested that the head position during sleep has an effect on the severity of symptoms. It was demonstrated that there is a significant reduction in number of episodes of apnea when the subjects in this study changed their sleeping position from supine to lateral. The changes were, however, not seen among obese subjects.
Sleeping position is not always easy to determine. While one may decide on a particular orientation, there is a tendency to vary in the night as the body adjusts to get to the most comfortable position. There are a number of ways that can be used to ensure that this choice is deliberate. We will look at some of them.
One of the solutions that have been proposed in maintaining sleeping position is the memory or contoured pillow. Such a pillow maintains its shape throughout the course of sleep thus also maintains the orientation of the body . This is in contrast to ordinary pillows that tend to change shape from time to time. Contoured pillows also assist with keeping the neck and spine in place.
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.
The adoption of an appropriate sleeping position has been suggested as one of the strategies that can be used in controlling the symptoms of sleep apnea. It may be used as a standalone intervention or alongside other forms of managing the condition. One must bear in mind that this option only works for the obstructive and not the central and mixed types. If you have features suggestive of the condition, you need to see a doctor so that the right classification and appropriate management can be done.
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