Skip to Content
woman has trouble sleeping

Has your partner complained that you snore loudly or that you toss and turn throughout the night? Are you waking up feeling like you ran a marathon in your sleep? It’s possible that you have sleep apnea, a condition that causes substantial pauses in breathing while you’re asleep. Fortunately, there are several at-home, lifestyle changes you can make to decrease sleep apnea symptoms. Consider the following tips:

Quit Smoking & Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Nicotine and alcohol can cause inflammation in your airways, making it difficult to get a deep breath while sleeping. If you quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption, your throat muscles will not be so inflamed, and it will be easier to breathe at night.

Utilize a Humidifier

Dry air can contribute to difficulty breathing at night due to the irritation in the respiratory system! When you put a humidifier in your room, you are adding moisture to the air which will lessen the irritation in your lungs. Some people enjoy adding essential oils to the water such as peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus. In addition to a great scent, it contributes anti-inflammatory benefits.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise can help you maintain a healthier weight, as an overweight individual is more susceptible to sleep apnea than someone who is healthy. Also, we encourage you to do breathing exercises! Breathing exercises increase oxygen saturation in your blood which can greatly decrease sleep apnea symptoms.

Dr. Tomlinson is Your Sleep Apnea Expert

These tips can minimize your snoring issue! However, if you are still struggling with snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms, you may need a more direct remedy such as jaw surgery or a CPAP machine. Dr. Tomlinson can diagnose your condition and discuss treatment options with you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your oral surgeon! Contact us today: 706-549-5033.