Doctors urge weight loss for sleep apnea. Airways and nasal passageways can constrict due to obesity. These blockages may cause prolonged sleep-related breathing pauses. Healthy weight reduces sleep apnea and cleans airways. Obese adults can avoid upper airway surgery and CPAP with small weight loss, research finds.
Apnea symptoms can be reduced and sleep improved by changing sleep positions. A 2006 study found that over half of obstructive sleep apnea patients are position-dependent. Sleeping supine can worsen symptoms, according to research. Sleeping on your side helps some adults breathe.
Jaw or tongue movement via dental devices opens airways for sleep apnea. Mostly mandibular advancement and tongue stabilization devices. These move your lower jaw or tongue forward to reduce back-of-throat congestion.