Sleep Apnea Solution

One of the more commonly asked questions sleep apnea experts answer is “Does sleeping sitting upright help with sleep apnea?” We already know that when a person with sleep apnea sleeps on their back, gravity closes or significantly narrows their airway (the space formed at the back of the mouth and upper throat areas).  At the same time, the amount of air that enters their lungs decreases along with the amount of air they exhale.

Statistics from sleep studies have shown that sleeping on one’s side or in an upright position can reverse gravity’s effect when you sleep.  While roughly half of American individuals with sleep apnea benefit from sleeping on their side or upright, about 20% to 30% of them only have symptoms of someone who sleeps on their back.  This is often referred to as POSA or positional obstructive sleep apnea.

Although definitions of the condition often vary, most experts agree that sleeping in a supine position (on your back) can double the AHI or apnea-hypopnea index when compared to sleeping on your side or any other position.  Furthermore, for roughly half of the individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), their symptoms can get better or get worse based on their sleeping position.  Additionally, people with POSA are able to breathe more easily when sleeping sitting upright.

Benefits of Positional Therapy

Sleeping on your side or upright is more commonly referred to as “positional therapy”, an anti-snoring solution and one of many non-surgical snoring solutions that can help individuals whose sleep apnea worsens when they sleep on their backs.  Studies have also shown that individuals with positional obstructive sleep apnea are less sleepy during the day and have fewer symptoms when sleeping upright.

In addition to the above, individuals who are treated with positional therapy may also have increased blood oxygen levels and fewer breathing problems.  However, this shouldn’t be the only anti-snoring solution to consider when you have OSA.  Also, positional therapy in combination with CPAP (positive airway pressure is one of the non-surgical snoring solutions recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

For those people who cannot tolerate or don’t want CPAP therapy, positional therapy may be the best anti-snoring solution to consider.  While CPAP does help to reduce a person’s breathing problems more than the relief provided by positional therapy, many of them find this type of therapy to be less invasive and more comfortable than CPAP.  Plus, sleeping upright may also lessen the symptoms of other sleep-related issues.

Effects of Upright Sleeping on OSA

If you are experiencing more symptoms of sleep apnea while lying flat on the bed, sitting upright helps. The key factor is that gravitational pull on your nasal passages and airways is less. That in turn prevents the tongue from falling back into the throat and stops the blocking of airway. A study published in Respiratory Care (2011) showed sleeping in an elevated position can reduce severity of sleep apnea in 53% of individuals. The study indicated they had higher symptoms when they slept flat but felt better in an upright position. It was seen that the AHI or apnea-hypopnea index was reduced by 50% in an hour. 

While a 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine showed that those (with mild to moderate) OSA patients that slept in the inclined position had 50% to 60% reduction in apnea-hypopnea index. 

Considering the studies and research, sleeping upright or at a high incline is one of the most practical solutions for those that are unable to use a CPAP device which is considered to be the top-notch treatment practice. 

Key Considerations with Practicality 

While sleeping upright has showed considerable alleviation of OSA symptoms, it is essential to consider whether it is practical to sleep like that all through the night. For many people, maintaining an upright position might not be a comfortable or feasible option. That is why there is a higher demand for recliners and adjustable beds to help facilitate the inclined position. Additionally, another disadvantage is the circulatory strain and musculoskeletal pressure which prolonged sitting leads to on the body. 

In a study published in Sleep medicine Reviews, by Heinzer et al. it was found that only 40% of the OSA patients were able to maintain the upright position without slumping during sleep or reverting to the traditional sleeping position. 

Disadvantages of Sleeping Upright

Sleeping upright may not benefit some individuals with OSA as some may experience certain disadvantages such as discomfort in their back and chest as well as difficulties sleeping.  The problem with prolonged sitting, especially if you’ve sustained a calf or thigh injury, is that it increases the risk of developing blood clots in your legs.  Some individuals should discuss blood clot prevention measures with their doctor before changing their sleeping position including:

  • individuals with a history of developing blood clots
  • individuals who will undergo a major surgical procedure in the near future.
  • individuals who take medication that elevates the risk of developing blood clots
  • individuals who have a condition that elevates the risk of developing blood clots

On an indirectly related side note, babies who are less than 12 months old should never sleep on an inclined surface or on their sides as this can increase their risk of SIDS or sudden infant death.

An Anti-snoring Solution that can provide Relief

For the temporary relief of sleep apnea-related snoring, Asonor Anti-snoring Nasal Spray Solution has been clinically proven to be effective in over 75% of all cases that have been studied to date.  Of all the non-surgical snoring solutions available on the market today, ours can provide the relief you’ve been searching for.  For information on this product, e-mail your questions to [email protected] or visit our website.

 
 
 

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