Sleep apnea is characterized by stoppage of breathing for a couple of seconds when sleeping. There main subtypes of this condition exist based on the main cause. These are the central, obstructive and mixed or complex types. The commonest among the three is the obstructive type which usually results from excessive relation of throat muscles. The cause of the central type is due to inability of the brain to send appropriate signals to respiratory muscles. The effect of head position in sleep apnea has been extensively studied.
It has become evident that the dynamics of air movement in the respiratory tract show marked differences when one is in the upright position and when they lie down horizontally. Lying horizontally often causes some of the tissues in the airways particularly the soft palate and the uvula to fall back and cause restriction to the flow of air during respiration. This effect is even more pronounced during sleep due to excessive relaxation of these muscles.
Snoring, a common associated symptom of apnea is the result of vibration of relaxed tissues within the respiratory tract. If the restriction is too much it will result in complete blockage of air movement. It is important to note that not everyone with the condition snores so other signs and symptoms may be used in making the diagnosis. These include, among others, excessive sleepiness during the day, morning headache and difficulty in paying attention.
In a study published in 2017 it was shown that head position while asleep does indeed influence the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, OSA. In the 26 subjects studied, a less severe form of the condition was seen when they switched sleeping positions from supine (face up) to lateral (left or right). The reduction was only demonstrated in non-obese subjects while there was no significant change among those that were obese.
The position in which an individual sleeps may not be very easy to determine. Left on its own, the body will find the most comfortable position and will keep making adjustments throughout the night. To achieve a particular head orientation, therefore, requires a deliberate effort. There are several suggestions that have been advanced.
One of the solutions that have been proposed in maintaining sleeping position is the memory or contoured pillow. Such a pillow maintains its shape throughout the course of sleep thus also maintains the orientation of the body . This is in contrast to ordinary pillows that tend to change shape from time to time. Contoured pillows also assist with keeping the neck and spine in place.
Another possible solution is the use of what is referred to as the tennis ball T-shirt. This is a t-shirt that is modified by having a tennis ball sewn into it. The ball is strategically placed into a patch on the back such that it causes some discomfort when one lies on their back. They will naturally readjust into the lateral position which is what is desired. The results from the use of this t-shirt have been variable.
Changing sleeping position from the supine to the lateral is one of the conservative methods used in managing apnea. However, one must bear in mind that this method is only effective for the obstructive type. The central type often requires proper medication. It is necessary to see a physician so that they can identify the subtype and help in formulating the solutions.
It has become evident that the dynamics of air movement in the respiratory tract show marked differences when one is in the upright position and when they lie down horizontally. Lying horizontally often causes some of the tissues in the airways particularly the soft palate and the uvula to fall back and cause restriction to the flow of air during respiration. This effect is even more pronounced during sleep due to excessive relaxation of these muscles.
Snoring, a common associated symptom of apnea is the result of vibration of relaxed tissues within the respiratory tract. If the restriction is too much it will result in complete blockage of air movement. It is important to note that not everyone with the condition snores so other signs and symptoms may be used in making the diagnosis. These include, among others, excessive sleepiness during the day, morning headache and difficulty in paying attention.
In a study published in 2017 it was shown that head position while asleep does indeed influence the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, OSA. In the 26 subjects studied, a less severe form of the condition was seen when they switched sleeping positions from supine (face up) to lateral (left or right). The reduction was only demonstrated in non-obese subjects while there was no significant change among those that were obese.
The position in which an individual sleeps may not be very easy to determine. Left on its own, the body will find the most comfortable position and will keep making adjustments throughout the night. To achieve a particular head orientation, therefore, requires a deliberate effort. There are several suggestions that have been advanced.
One of the solutions that have been proposed in maintaining sleeping position is the memory or contoured pillow. Such a pillow maintains its shape throughout the course of sleep thus also maintains the orientation of the body . This is in contrast to ordinary pillows that tend to change shape from time to time. Contoured pillows also assist with keeping the neck and spine in place.
Another possible solution is the use of what is referred to as the tennis ball T-shirt. This is a t-shirt that is modified by having a tennis ball sewn into it. The ball is strategically placed into a patch on the back such that it causes some discomfort when one lies on their back. They will naturally readjust into the lateral position which is what is desired. The results from the use of this t-shirt have been variable.
Changing sleeping position from the supine to the lateral is one of the conservative methods used in managing apnea. However, one must bear in mind that this method is only effective for the obstructive type. The central type often requires proper medication. It is necessary to see a physician so that they can identify the subtype and help in formulating the solutions.
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