5 Ways Exercise Helps Sleep Apnea
Did you know that at least 22 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and that an estimated 80% of cases go misdiagnosed?
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
A study published in Brazil showed a strong connection between regular exercise and major improvements for sleep apnea patients. After evaluating dozens of patients with sleep apnea, numerous benefits were found among those who engaged in aerobic exercise on a daily basis. 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 discussed in this study:
1. Increased Muscle Tone in the Upper Airway
2. Increases in Slow Wave Sleep
3. Reduced Daytime Sleepiness
4. Reduced Severity of OSA Symptoms
5. Reduced Fluid-Accumulation in the Neck
What is the Key Takeaway?
The most important fact to take-away from this sleep apnea study 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 life, and many of them will cost you nothing.
Ideas for Getting Exercise for Free
- 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
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 the best way you can fight sleep apnea. No matter the way you get your exercise in, 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. Kruger and his team at either of our locations in Iowa. Both Oelwein Dental Associates and West Union Dental Associates can help restore your ability to sleep.