Does My Pillow Impact My Sleep Apnea? Busting the MythThat Pillows Can Improve Your Airway Disorder
If sleep apnea affects you — or you suspect that your partner has sleep apnea because of their snoring and/or fatigue — then you may have wondered if a pillow can impact the sleep apnea.
Sleeping on your back is the one position you should avoid if you have sleep apnea. In this position, as your tongue and facial tissues relax, they fall into your airway as gravity pulls your tongue into your throat. This can lead to snoring and the obstruction of sleep apnea. It’s all about the airway anatomy and how easily the airway relaxes/collapses as you go into sleep. My airway collapses very quickly, almost immediately as I go into sleep. And hence, I have moderate sleep apnea. When it comes to treating sleep apnea, proper treatment with a fully- customized oral appliance and, for some people, sleeping in the right position can greatly help in their sleeping efforts.
That line of thinking is actually wrong! (Mostly.)
Sleep apnea is the result of an anatomical obstruction of your airway. The structure of the airway may not be conducive to proper airflow as you lie down, so the treatment has to be anatomical — not environmental, like a pillow. Instead, a custom oral appliance keeps the jaw from dropping back hence your tongue from dropping back and thus keeps your airway open. It’s all about the anatomy of your airway. The Right Position We all have the “sweet spot” in our beds, but if you struggle with sleep apnea, side sleeping is one of the best ways to sleep. Either side is beneficial, but some research does suggest that sleeping on your left side is the best option for overall health impacts. Stomach sleepers can also rejoice because this position is safe for those with sleep apnea.
Learn more about your sleep apnea options and schedule a consultation by visiting our website at NorthernVirginiaDental.com.
Grilled CornWith Plant-Based Aioli
Sudoku
Looking for a dish that’s sure to please multiple palettes? Look no further than this tasty take on grilled corn.
INGREDIENTS
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4 ears corn, unhusked
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Sea salt, to taste
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1 clove garlic
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1/2 cup raw spinach
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1/4 cup unsweetened soy milk
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1/2 cup sunflower oil
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large pot, boil corn for 30 minutes. 2. In a large blender or food processor, add garlic, soy milk, sunflower oil, vinegar, and salt. Combine until smooth by pulsing the blades. 3. Once the aioli mixture is blended, add raw spinach and blend again. 4. Drain corn and transfer to the grill for 10 minutes, rotating as necessary. 5. Taste aioli for consistency and flavor. Add more milk or oil to thicken it and add more salt to taste. 6. Top corn with aioli and serve.
Solution on Pg. 4
Inspired by SimpleVeganBlog.com
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