Maintain an Appropriate Weight
Obesity is the number one risk factor for sleep apnea. If you are overweight, you may be able to prevent the development of sleep apnea by consulting your healthcare provider about a weight loss program. If youre not overweight, try to maintain an appropriate weight through proper diet and exercise.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Drinking alcohol can increase the number of sleep apnea episodes you have each night. Therefore, limit your intake of alcohol.
Avoid Taking Sedative Medications
Sedative medications can exacerbate sleep apnea.Try to avoid use of these medications.
Don't Smoke, and If You Smoke, Quit
Heavy smokers are 40 times more likely to develop sleep apnea than nonsmokers. If you smoke, quit .
References:
American Sleep Apnea Association website. Available at: http://www.sleepapnea.org/ .
Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. WB Saunders Company; 2000.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ .
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed May 2007 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
