Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding lifestyle measures for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea as follows:
- Individuals with history of stroke & incomplete recovery of motor skills can present with relaxed airway muscles with poor tension in them. Lack of tension in the airways contribute to airway collapse, result in obstruction to the airflow pattern, thus leading to development of obstructive sleep apnea. Appropriate tension in the airway muscles of the throat is needed to maintain them patent and open for the air to flow unobstructed. Compliance with recommended physical & speech therapy interventions for the muscles of the face and mouth can help improve tension in the airways, improve tongue positioning, strengthen the muscles that control the soft palate & uvula, maintain the airways patent, and contribute to unobstructed airflow. This free airflow pattern can help reduce the risk for presentation with episodes of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Poorly controlled Type-2 diabetes is a serious risk factor for development of obesity and contributes to excessive fat deposition around various body organs. This fat deposition around the soft tissues in the throat contributes to their increased weight, loss of tension, and results in them being poorly supported. This leads to the soft tissues in the throat being relaxed, fall into the airway, cause obstruction to the airflow, and thus contribute to development of obstructive sleep apnea. Individuals with history of Type-2 diabetes must observe compliance with intake of oral medications and/or insulin administration, as recommended, to help improved control of blood sugar numbers. Compliance with regular eating habits, recommended dietary & calorie intake limitations can help regulate blood sugar numbers in the target range. Compliance with recommended physical exercise, as tolerated, can help improve insulin resistance, resulting in improved glucose uptake into the cells and adjust blood glucose numbers into the desired range. Improved blood glucose control in type-2 diabetics can help control obesity and prevent excess fat deposition around soft tissues in the throat. This can result in these soft tissues being well-supported, prevent them falling into the airway, thus offering relief from episodes of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Some individuals can have history of poorly controlled allergies and repeated exposure to upper respiratory infections. Chronic nasal congestion due to allergies and infections can lead to narrowing of airways. This can result in obstruction to the airflow pattern, thus contributing to development of obstructive sleep apnea. Avoiding exposure to triggering allergens and compliance with intake of anti-histamines and antibiotics, as recommended, can help effective control the allergies and infections. This can result in relief from nasal congestion and improved airflow pattern, which can contribute to reduced incidence of obstructive sleep apnea.
