What is Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

A common, go-to sleeping position is on the back. Although seemingly comfortable, this routine position can cause a sleep disorder called positional obstructive sleep apnea. Depending on the sleeping position, breathing rhythms can increase or decrease, which can harm your overall health. Read on to learn more and see what’s causing your restless nights.

Positional obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that disrupts too many peaceful nights. Certain sleeping angles and positions are common triggers for the condition. So what is the sleeping position that causes most positional obstructive sleep apnea? On the back! When a sleeper is lying on their back, it puts increased pressure on the throat, leading to interrupted breathing and less oxygen in the blood. The best sleeping positions for positional obstructive sleep apnea are either on your side or stomach.

Here are the top three at-home remedies that can lessen or even halt the effects of positional obstructive sleep apnea.

Top Three At-Home Remedies for Preventing Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea

1. Sleep position therapy devices. This type of technology, like NightBalance, uses vibrations to alert the sleeper when they are starting to switch to a back sleeping position. If the sleeper is not responding, the vibrations gently increase and intensify until the sleeper adjusts by turning over to their side or stomach. Valley Sleep Therapy offers NightBalance to patients in store only. For more information call (480) 361-0124.
2. Wearable belts. These belts create wedges and bumps that prevent the sleeper from rolling over. If the sleeper does end up rolling onto their back, the belt causes that position to be uncomfortable, prompting a position adjustment.
3. Body pillows. These longer, body-shaped pillows can help make even a non-experienced side sleeper comfortable all night.

At-home remedies not doing the trick? Still suffering from interrupted breathing during the night? Join our Community Health Talk series, which addresses all sorts of sleep issues and disorders. Want to know more about positional obstructive sleep apnea? Sign up for our complimentary webinar, Advances in Positional O.S.A.

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Are you getting tired of sleepless nights? Click here to schedule an appointment to discuss your sleep issue with a specialist today!