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Sleep Apnea and Migraines

Sleep apnea means that you stop breathing during your sleep. That sounds pretty scary right? Either the airways get blocked or the signal to breathe from the brain stops. Your body will eventually initiate an automatic gasp for air so you get the oxygen you need. But, this will wake you up or prevent you from falling into a state of deep sleep. The sleep that gives your body the recovery it needs. If untreated, sleep apnea can therefor lead to serious health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart trouble. Another common consequence that people with sleep apnea face on a regular basis are migraine attacks. With this article we want to help migraine sufferers find some relieve and get a better night’s rest.

Sleep apnea and migraines

Migraine and sleep disorders often coexist. The treatment of sleep apnea obviously improves the quality of your sleep but... it has also been associated with improvement of migraine attacks. There are many factors worth looking into when it comes to sleep apnea. Choosing the right pillow for instance, can help those with sleep apnea get better airflow. But, there are some other solutions that you might want to look at as well.

Tips for Getting Better Rest with Sleep Apnea

• CPAP machine

A CPAP machine sends a steady flow of pressurized air into your nose and mouth as you sleep. This keeps your airways open and helps you breathe normally.

• Find a specialist

Sleep apnea is a long-term condition for many sleepers, and its severity can change over time. Doctors and sleep specialists can help with recommendations to your individual needs. 

• Maintaining a Healthy Weight

In adults, the most common cause of sleep apnea is excess weight and obesity. Your weight has a big influence on the soft tissue of the mouth and throat. During sleep, when throat and tongue muscles are relaxed, extra soft tissue can cause the airway to become blocked. Lowering your body weight can therefor have a substantial impact on the severity of sleep apnea symptoms. 

• Healthy Lifestyle

Lifestyle changes such as minimizing alcohol consumption, regular exercising, and to quit smoking can all have a big effect on sleep apnea.

• Altering Sleeping Positions

Some people experience reduced symptoms while sleeping on their sides. Others prefer back sleeping, it allows for the most comfortable fit for CPAP masks. However, usually breathing pauses occur only when sleeping on the backs. Using a knee pillow or other devices that assist you in sleeping in a side position may offer a solution in this case.

ProSleepy suggestions for sleep apnea

For back sleepers:

ProSleepy Bamboo Cervical Pillow

The 75° wedge extensions increases the flow in your airway and therefor minimizing snoring and sleep apnea. 

For side sleepers: 

ProSleepy Orthopedic Knee Pillow

ProSleepy Premium Knee Pillow