If you have sleep apnea, naturally you want to make it better, not worse. But what you may not know is there are things you could be doing that are making your sleep apnea symptoms worse instead of better. If you’re already addressing your sleep apnea, such as with a custom sleep orthotic from Dr. Peterson, great! Here are a few more ways you could help lessen the severity of your symptoms on your own.Watch Your WeightNot just being overweight, but gaining and fluctuating weight has been shown to worsen sleep apnea symptoms, so if your weight has increased or is already high, losing weight could help lessen sleep apnea symptoms, as well as improve your overall health and reduce your risk for dangerous conditions like diabetes, another known sleep apnea aggravator.Stay HealthyNobody wants COVID-19, but patients with COVID-19 and sleep apnea often have more severe COVID-19 symptoms and are more likely to end up in the intensive care unit than those without sleep apnea. Do your best to follow the CDC guidelines for preventing COVID-19 and help lower your risk.AlcoholDrinking alcohol in moderation is already recommended by doctors for everyone, regardless of if they have sleep apnea or not, but it may be even more important for those with sleep apnea. Alcohol has been found to loosen the muscles, including those in the airway, making sleep apnea worse. If you do enjoy an occasional glass of alcohol, be sure to do so at least a few hours before bed, or consider abstaining from drinking altogether.Quit smokingDo you smoke? You’ve likely already heard the dangers of smoking, but did you know that smoking can make sleep apnea worse? It’s true, so if you do smoke, now is the time to quit.Use Your DeviceDo you have a sleep device? It only works if you use it. Many people find CPAP therapy awkward and uncomfortable, and as a result, don’t wear it as prescribed. That’s why Dr. Peterson offers custom sleep orthotics. These devices fit comfortably in the mouth and do not require a mask or forced air, and are generally found to be more comfortable than CPAP therapy.To learn more about custom sleep orthotics, contact Dr. Peterson’s office today!