Alternative Health Therapies that Can Help Sleep Apnea Patients

More and more individuals who suffer from medical conditions are turning to alternative or complementary therapies for an extra boost of help for their symptoms. Before looking to these therapies, one first should start with the basics such as exercise and weight loss if it is necessary. Sleep apnea is often attributed to structural types of problems, such as restricted airways. The airways are obstructed in a person who suffers from sleep apnea. By losing weight, airways are allowed to be clearer and more open, thus allowing breathing to occur easier. For some people even a small weight loss, for example, ten to fifteen pounds can make a difference.

Practitioners of homeopathy theorize that sleep apnea is connected to a loss of energy. For this reason, they believe that diet is a strong consideration for sleep apnea sufferers. It is important to reduce the level of sugar one consumes on a regular basis and other kinds of foods or food additives as well as foods that fall under the category of “allergic foods.” When it comes to sleep apnea treatment, homeopathic professionals prescribe herbal medicine based on an individual’s personality whether it is extroverted of introverted. These two substances are lachesis and homeopathic opium. Lachesis is best for those extroverted individuals who are also charismatic and have a tendency to get upset and angry easily. Introverts are recommended to try homeopathic opium. This is also especially helpful for moderate to temperate types who have a history that is full of emotional and/or physical discomfort or pain.  

Another alternative therapy sometimes used for sleep apnea sufferers is flower remedy/essence therapy. The therapy used in this case is a flower remedy known as Vervain. Vervain has a tendency to calm and relax people. Not only does it help symptoms of sleep apnea in some sufferers but also Vervain is also excellent when it comes to lowering levels of stress and helping those with high blood pressure. This flower remedy as well as a variety of others can be purchased at most health food store and can be purchases online.

Studies have shown that sleep apnea can be caused by reduced levels of serotonin in the body. Breathing is controlled by nerves that require a specific amount of serotonin. As well the body contains serotonin receptors and they receptors are in control of what hormones are released into the body and when. One such hormone is cortisol. One of the functions of cortisol is to control the muscles that make breathing possible. Sleep apnea is believed to occur when the serotonin system is not working as it should. Those who study sleep believe that the use of a serotonin precursor, such as for example the substance 5-HTP can benefit those who suffer from the debilitating effects of sleep apnea. Doctors who encourage the use of 5-HTP recommend that their patients consume 100 to 300 milligrams of 5-HTP before they go to bed. The use of 5-HTP helps patients to have a more restful sleep and therefore they wake up fewer times throughout the night. This also helps patients to concentrate better throughout the day and be more productive all around.