Sleep apnea is a common disorder that obstructs breathing during sleep. With various treatments available, one method that’s gaining increased attention is yoga. Considering the specialty of Dr. Kelley Mingus in offering alternative treatments, we can’t resist asking the question: Can yoga help with sleep apnea?
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea, a condition that affects millions worldwide, involves repeated instances where breathing stops during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and often go unnoticed by the sufferer. Patients living with sleep apnea may be restless during sleep and frequently wake up to adjust their breathing.
Types of Sleep Apnea
- Obstructive sleep apnea, the most prevalent type, occurs when throat muscles relax.
- Central sleep apnea, which happens when the brain fails to transmit signals to your breathing muscles.
- Mixed sleep apnea, a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apneas.
The Role of Yoga in Sleep Apnea Management
Yoga, known for its extensive range of health benefits, may prove useful in managing sleep apnea symptoms. Here’s how practicing yoga can help with sleep apnea:
Increases Lung Capacity and Improves Breathing
Yoga’s pranayama, or controlled breathing exercises, can increase lung capacity and strengthen respiratory muscles. This conscious, deep, and slow breathing can improve ventilation, oxygenation, respiratory muscle strength, and lung capacity, potentially reducing symptoms of sleep apnea.
Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress
Yoga promotes relaxation through a series of poses and breathing techniques, helping reduce stress and anxiety. A relaxed state of mind contributes to better, more restful sleep. Managing stress is essential since it can exacerbate some sleep apnea symptoms.
Improves Body Flexibility and Postures
Some yoga poses are designed to open up the throat, stretch the neck muscles, and promote better posture, all of which contribute to more effortless breathing and potentially relieve apnea symptoms.
Combining Yoga with Other Treatment Methods
While yoga can potentially help with sleep apnea, it shouldn’t replace conventional treatment methods. Yoga is an excellent addition to other intervention efforts, such as the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine or a custom-mouth appliance.
Under Dr. Kelley Mingus’s guidance at the Kelley Mingus dental practice, patients are presented with non-invasive options like facial growth treatment, which utilizes a custom mouth-appliance. Combine this innovative approach with simple lifestyle changes, including yoga exercises, and you could significantly improve your quality of sleep.
Best Yoga Poses for Sleep Apnea
To assist you in your journey, here are some yoga poses that may potentially help manage your sleep apnea:
- Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
- Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)
- Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Above all else, seeking the advice of a medical professional like Dr. Kelley Mingus before starting any new treatment regimen is essential.