For patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (or OSA), sleep is more of a luxury than a daily occurrence. To combat symptoms, one could alter dietary choices, lose weight, and even become a side sleeper. However, few people know that specific exercises can improve sleep apnea symptoms. In fact, those exercises can widen and strengthen the throat and the surrounding tissues, which helps the airways stay open during sleep. In order to provide simple, at-home sleep apnea relief, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart offers OSA treatment.
These Exercises May Help You Sleep Better
- For your throat.
- Pretend you’re chewing gum, while making sure your mouth remains closed. Furthermore, add a mmm sound to widen the opening in your throat. After beginning with a few minutes a day, increase the amount of time to build endurance.
- Mimic a yawn, while making sure your mouth is opened as wide as possible. To increase the effectiveness of the exercise, thrust your tongue outward.
- Swallow quickly five times or more while biting your tongue; repeat this several times throughout the day.
- For your tongue.
- Lick your lips in a circular, clockwise motion then switch to a counterclockwise movement.
- Stick your tongue out as far as you’re able to and hold the position for a few seconds. Repeat this exercise several times during the day.
- Place your tongue on the back of your upper teeth and make tsk tsk sounds. After completing a minute’s worth, stop to relax and repeat.
- For your jaw.
- Before going to sleep, your OSA Livonia dentist suggests clenching a pencil between your teeth for 10 minutes or more to strengthen the muscles in your jaw.
- Move your jaw all the way to the right and hold the position for 30 seconds; repeat the same motion for the left side.
Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you need some relief from your sleep apnea symptoms, visit your Livonia OSA dentist for treatment options. Dr. Stewart can discuss which method will suit you best. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.