(DailyProsper.com) – There is nothing more frustrating than the lack of a good night’s sleep. Even though you’ve tried every remedy known to man, you’re still having trouble waking up restful.
If you haven’t spoken to your doctor about your sleeping issues, you should. Insomnia can be caused by everything from stress to serious illness, and if it goes on for too long, it can really do a number on your health.
The good news is that in most cases, insomnia resolves on its own. But there is one weird cause that could keep you from catching those zzz’s for much longer:
Problems with your tongue!
Tongues and Sleep Apnea
Have you inspected your tongue lately? Go ahead, take a look. Does it take up a lot of space in your mouth? It can be hard to determine if your tongue is bigger than average just by looking at it, but it could be the main cause of your sleeplessness. This is because it can trigger sleep apnea.
So, what is sleep apnea? It’s a throat and mouth condition that affects over 22 million Americans. Throat muscles relax too much during sleep, which causes breathing to pause or even stop for a few seconds. Oxygen levels in the body drop.
A large, oddly-shaped, or particularly lax tongue can contribute because the tongue naturally falls back against the roof of your mouth and throat during sleep. This additional pressure can worsen apnea and leave you feeling exhausted the next day.
Do You Snore a Lot?
Does your partner complain that you snore a lot? Snoring is one of the main symptoms of sleep apnea, and it may indicate that your tongue is getting in the way when you lie down.
Other symptoms of sleep apnea can include:
- Waking up gasping for air
- Pauses in breathing
- Having a dry mouth when awakening
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
Sound familiar? Talk to your doctor about a sleep study to confirm your diagnosis.
Sleep Apnea May Cause Certain Medical Problems
Feeling tired when you wake up? If you have sleep apnea and your tongue is settling back into your throat when you go to sleep, this disruption can put you at a high risk for specific medical conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Liver issues
- Heart disease
- Extreme fatigue
- Sudden death
It’s important to consult with your doctor about a treatment plan that may include eliminating small amounts of tongue fat to help improve your sleep apnea symptoms.
Losing Weight Can Help
If you find yourself overweight and up all night, losing a few pounds may help. Losing weight can reduce your BMI, which may affect the shape of your tongue and reduce pressure on the throat wall. This can make it easier to breathe, especially when you’re lying down.
If your tongue is contributing to various health issues, including lack of a good night’s sleep, you need a solution now. Know that help is available; there are numerous treatment options depending on your diagnosis. Before you know it, you’ll be sleeping peacefully and waking up refreshed!
~Here’s to Your Success!
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