Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding lifestyle measures for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea as follows:
- Excessive intake of psychotropic medications, such as, sedative-hypnotics, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, as a side-effect to the medication intake, can result in poorly tensed and relaxed airway muscles. Appropriate tension in the airway muscles of the throat is needed to maintain them patent and open for the air to flow unobstructed. 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. Individuals with history of chronic psychotropic medication intake can seek assistance with behavioral therapy and alternative measures for anxiety control to help reduce dependence on medication. Compliance with prescribed physical exercise, as tolerated, can help release of chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins enhance feelings of pleasure & well-being and also contribute to reducing pain & discomfort, which in long run leads to behavior changes and reduced need for intake of psychotropic medications.
- Individuals with chronic smoking history can present with increased risk for inflammation of upper airways, with narrowing and collapse of airways. This can result in obstruction to the free airflow during breathing, thus leading to increased risk for presentation with episodes of obstructive sleep apnea. Individuals with history of smoking must observe compliance with recommendations for smoking cessation. Identifying the triggers and social associations that are associated with continuing the smoking habit can help towards controlling the habit effectively. Seeking assistance with rehab centers & behavioral counselling can help towards smoking cessation. Measures such as, progressively delaying the first smoke of the day, gradually lengthening the time period between two incidents of smoking, reducing the frequency of meeting people individual’s commonly smoke with, avoiding visiting the designated smoking areas, and taking only a few puffs on every smoke, can all help towards controlling the habit. Nicotine replacement therapies, such as, skin patches, gums, and inhalers, can help nicotine administration via alternative routes and control the cravings during the initial phase of smoking cessation. Individuals resorting to smoking as a stress control measure can practice alternative measures for stress relief, such as, deep breathing & relaxation, listening to soothing music, physical exercise, meditation, and practicing yoga.
