CBD and sleep apnea are a common disorders that causes short or long pauses in breathing while a person is sleeping. While many perceive sleep apnea to be a harmless inconvenience that causes tiredness during the day, there are several more serious side effects that can occur when sleep apnea remains untreated long-term.
In this post, I’m going to dive into the question of cannabidiol, also known as CBD, for sleep apnea, and tell you about how I found a solution for my spouse’s sleep apnea.
Side Effects of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea
If sleep apnea remains untreated, it can cause some serious side effects. To name a few:
- Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity and diabetes
- Increased risk of heart failure
- Increased risk of irregular heart beats, called arrhythmias
- Increased risk of work-related or driving accidents
To avoid the long-and short-term negative impact of sleep apnea, research all of your options to find the best solution for you. Be sure to consult with your doctor before trying any new medical treatment.
Recently, I was on a mad search for something to cure my spouse of his sleep apnea. It not only kept him awake at night, but his thunderous snoring fest every single night guaranteed that I, too, would be tired the next day. My sleep was limited, my nerves frayed and my moods wavered like a pendulum.
I knew this wasn’t any fault of his; however, I needed a solution. Doctors suggested a mask-like apparatus that wasn’t really something my spouse could see himself using each and every night for the rest of his life. We continued to search for alternative solutions for his sleep apnea.
I spent my sleepless nights scouring the Internet to find a natural remedy for sleep apnea. I felt that organic, natural and herbal solutions were the best route to follow, and found several options.
Previously, I had read about the health benefits of hemp oil for a variety of illnesses and ailments, from sleeping problems to terminal cancer, but didn’t quite understand the full extent of possibilities. Then I found it – the key to a good night’s sleep for both myself and my spouse.
CBD for sleep apnea, in the form of CBD oil from American Hemp Oil, helped both my husband and me get better sleep at night.
A common misconception is that CBD oil is the same thing as cannabis oil. Cannabis oil is a form of medical marijuana, which is a legal form of medical treatment in some states. CBD, on the other hand, is legal in all 50 states. However, there are stricter regulations in some states. For more information, read: 50 States: Is CBD Oil Legal to Purchase?
While cannabis oil has the same health benefits as CBD, cannabis oil contains much higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is what causes a person to feel “high,” and also leaves traces in a person’s urine and bloodstream. CBD oil, on the other hand, does not have these side effects.
Perhaps the most popular conventional treatment option for sleep apnea is the continuous positive airway pressure device, also called CPAP. A CPAP is a mask that fits over your nose and/or mouth that gently blows air into your airways while you sleep. This is an effective treatment option for many people; however, it can be noisy and uncomfortable to wear. Not to mention, you can’t just fall into bed when you’re tired – you have to remember to put on your mask.
- Dental appliances that reposition the lower jaw and tongue
- Upper airway surgery that removes tissue
- Covering the nostrils with a valve that encourages airflow
- Implanting a nerve stimulator in the chest that controls tongue movement and acts as a breathing sensor
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Sleep Apnea
In addition to treatment, there are lifestyle changes that you can implement to help reduce sleep apnea. If you suffer from sleep apnea, try working these positive changes into your daily life:
- Lose weight. Being overweight can cause and/or worsen sleep apnea. Embracing a healthy diet and regular exercise routine can change your life. If you’re not sure where to start, consult with your doctor, who will be able to point you in the right direction.
- Avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol causes your upper airway breathing muscles to relax, and can also cause sleep disturbances.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can increase swelling in your upper airways, causing snoring and sleep apnea to worsen.
- Sleep on your side. Many people with sleep apnea report fewer breathing problems when they sleep on their side instead of their back.
What is your experience with CBD and sleep apnea?
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