Sleep Apnea is a sleeping disorder often seen in males over the age of 40. A person suffering from this disorder experiences irregular intervals of breathing when in sleep, due to which the blood oxygen levels drop considerably. A person having Sleep Apnea is generally unaware of this, as they do not remember any un-comfort experienced during sleep. Most times, the person with Sleep Apneasubconsciously resorts to heavy mouth breathing in order to offset the lack of oxygen intake.
A person with Sleep Apnea is medically treated by connecting him or her to a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine (CPAP). The CPAP machine is similar to a nose mask and it keeps the air pipe open by continuously blowing air in through the nose. Using the CPAP machine can be quite a task, as it is very uncomfortable for the person using it. Also it’s a very noisy machine and may disrupt the sleep of the person sleeping next to you. Continuous electric supply is also required for the machine to operate.There are a number of natural ways to cure this sleeping disorder. Here are 7 home remedies for Sleep Apnea.
Legumes
Legumes such as beans peas and lentils are rich in Vitamin B and proteins. They help you calm your nervous system and are helpful in reducing cholesterol levels. Legumes are most effective when consumed daily but only in small portions. Cooked legumes such as black beans, lima beans, kidney beans and navy beans can also be served as delicious soups. Legumes double up as delicious evening meals and there are plenty of recipes to choose from.
Warm Milk
This is the age old mother’s remedy passed down from generations for a good night’s sleep. It is also one of the most effective natural remedies. Tryptophan, a type of amino acid present in milk, has a soothing effect on the nerves and induces sleep.
Almonds
Almonds are an excellent source of magnesium is well known for the calming effects it has on the muscles. Also, body having low levels of magnesium often experience shorter sleeping periods. Other than for relaxing your muscles, almonds are also very good for your heart.
Bananas
Bananas are like a really tasty sleeping pill. They contain high levels of melatonin, serotonin, and magnesium which help your muscles and nerves calm down and relax. The overall effect of this is a perfectly good night’s sleep.
Honey
Honey contains glucose which helps shut down orexin. Orexin is a part of the brain which is responsible for keeping you alert. You can mix a couple of table spoons of honey with a glass of milk or even have it along with some herbal tea.
Cherries
Cherries are rich in melatonin and antioxidants. When it comes to sleep, cherries have a very similar function as that of bananas. Melatonin is a hormone secreted in the brain and helps in regulating your sleep cycle. They help in maintaining a stable and calm body. Melatonin is often used medically to cure insomnia and sleep apnea.
Yogurt
Yogurt has a similar effect as that of milk, although it is much more delicious and has much more proteins than milk. Yogurt is rich in tryptophan which helps induce sleep. Low fat yogurt is the best option from all the varieties available in the market. Berries and yogurt mixed together is not only a tasty and filling snack but also an effective combination for a good night’s sleep.
The remedies mentioned above are just few of the many natural remedies for curing Sleep Apnea. Whole wheat bread and dark chocolates are few of the other foods commonly used as natural remedies for sleep apnea. It is also advisable to exercise moderately and regularly along with maintaining a healthy diet. These natural remedies not only help in curing sleep disorders such as sleep apnea but also promote overall health and well-being of the body and mind.
