What You Need to Know
Although sleep apnea seems like a disease that affects patients at night time, its negative effects seep into the rest of your day, ultimately impacting your work, social life, and mood. While many treatments for sleep apnea exists, fitness is a solution that is free and available to every patient. Explore the ways that a daily exercise habit can eliminate many of the symptoms of sleep apnea while improving life for patients who suffer from it.
Fitness and Its Benefits for Sleep Apnea Patients
The benefits of aerobic exercise on a daily basis for sleep apnea patients far outweigh any risks. These range from controlling particular symptoms to curbing obesity, which is a common problem among sleep apnea sufferers. Here are five of the most notable advantages for participating in exercise:
- Increased Muscle Tone in the Upper Airway
- Increases in Slow Wave Sleep
- Reduced Daytime Sleepiness
- Reduced Severity of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) Symptoms
- Reduced Fluid-Accumulation in the Neck
What is the Key Takeaway?
The most important fact to note is that aerobic exercise plays an active role in improving symptoms. From dulling the severity of symptoms to reducing tangible problems like daytime fatigue, sleep apnea is much easier to manage when accompanied by a fitness plan.
How to Get Started – Implementing Daily Exercise Into Your Routine
In addition to decreasing obesity, regular exercise is an excellent way to control your sleep apnea. If you’ve never had a workout routine in your life, it can be intimidating to figure out the best place to start. Fortunately, there are many ways to make fitness a regular part of your days, and many of them will cost you nothing.
- Go for regular walks around your neighborhood at increasing distances
- Try some of the hiking trails in your area
- Watch a video online on how to do effective workouts
- Find a friend to workout or walk with and hold each other accountable
- Pick a sport to participate in and train for regularly
- Hire a coach or personal trainer to help you workout regularly
- Join a local gym and request instructions from the onsite trainers
- Stock up on simple home fitness equipment and commit to using it
- Sign up for a yoga, dance, or a strength-training class
Live a Fit, Active Lifestyle to Overcome Your Sleep Apnea
Whether you do it for the extra energy, to lose weight, or for any number of other reasons, leading an active life is one of the best ways you can help with sleep apnea. No matter what type of exercise you choose, its effects will play a major role in minimizing your sleep apnea symptoms. When you’re ready for life-changing sleep apnea treatment, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Aldrich at Riverbend Sleep. We can help restore your ability to gain the restful night you deserve.
We know you’re busy, so we made it easy for you. Schedule your appointment here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do CPAP machines cause weight gain?
Weight gain is commonly associated with CPAP use. Research shows that CPAP users are at a high risk for increasing their body-mass index, or weight. The results were consistent regardless of a patient’s age, gender, baseline weight, sleep apnea severity, and CPAP compliance.
Is the Mediterranean diet beneficial?
Yes! The Mediterranean diet focuses on eating fewer sweets and foods higher in fat, and more whole grains and vegetables. Some nutritious foods include eggs, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. These ingredients are beneficial for heart health, reduces sleep apnea symptoms, and can reduce the risk of cancer and Parkinson’s disease.