Here’s some good news from the School of Arts, Science, and Humanities at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil regarding obstructive sleep apnea. It seems that beginning a fitness regimen has shown positive results in reducing or eliminating obstructive sleep apnea. The study followed 47 people, and those who began exercising were able to lessen the severity or eliminate sleep apnea symptoms after following their exercise routine regularly!In fact, not only did the exercise help patients reduce their sleep apnea symptoms, but it also helped them reduce their weight, and lessen symptoms of other comorbid conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.This is great news for anyone with obstructive sleep apnea, but before you embark on a fitness journey of your own, be sure to follow these key steps:

• Speak to your doctor: do not begin any fitness routine without clearing it with your physician first. Your physician will be able to better assess your health and can recommend a program that starts you off at a healthy pace, especially if you are new to working out.
• Stick to the plan: If your doctor gives you a fitness plan, stick to what is recommended and be wary of any concerns that might arise along the way. The key is to pace yourself so you don’t burn out easily or injure yourself. Then as your fitness level improves, you can gradually add more to your routine
• Watch your sleep: If you do decide to begin a fitness journey, pay close attention to your sleep and your sleep apnea. Get a sleep tracking app or device, or ask for another sleep study to monitor for improvement or concerns.
• Keep using your prescribed sleep apnea therapy: Don’t give up using your sleep orthotic or other devices as prescribed. Not using your orthotic can be very dangerous, even if you are moving more.
• Speak to Dr. Peterson: If you are unhappy with your prescribed sleep apnea therapy, Dr. Peterson can help. A custom orthotic sleep device may be just the solution you’ve been looking for. Fitting comfortably into the mouth, sleep orthotics can replace other types of therapies that are less comfortable and rely on face masks and forced air, which can be awkward and uncomfortable.

If you are ready to start a new, healthy lifestyle, contact your physician today. If you are ready to control your sleep apnea without the use of electronic devices, contact Dr. Peterson about an orthotic sleep appliance.