Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, if left untreated the disorder is potentially deadly, with increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure and stroke. One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is loud and recurring snoring. Pauses in breathing may be followed by gasping. About half of the people affected with sleep apnea are overweight. Herbs may be helpful in treating sleep apnea; however, you should not incorporate herbal supplements into your treatment except on the advice of your doctor. Herbal treatment should not substitute for standard medical care.
Herbal Relief
Herbal remedies can aid in treatment of sleep apnea and related sleep disorders, according to Phyllis Balch, a certified nutritionist of the American Association of Nutritional Consultants and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Her book provides a list of herbal remedies effective in helping treat sleep apnea, including kava kava, passionflower, lemon balm and chamomile. No herbal remedies listed should be used without a physician's advisement.
Valerian Root
Sleep apnea can cause insomnia, due to the pauses in breathing and headaches during sleep. Valerian root is a perennial plant popular for helping in the treatment of insomnia. Due to its sedative properties, valerian has proven effective in treating mild to moderate insomnia, according to a 2003 article in the journal "American Family Physician." Studies on long-term safety are not available. Consult with your doctor before using valerian root as a sleep aid.
Additional Information
Changes in lifestyle can increase the effects of the herbal relief remedies in helping treat sleep apnea. Habits such as smoking, prolonged sitting and alcohol consumption add to the risk of sleep apnea, according to MayoClinic.com. Being male and over 65 drastically increases your chances of being affected with sleep apnea. You are advised to lose excess weight and sleep on your side; sew a tennis ball onto the back of your pajamas to prevent lying on your back.
Considerations
There are two types of sleep apnea. The more common is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when throat muscles relax, while central sleep apnea occurs when the brain doesn't send proper signals to control the breathing muscles. Due to complications that can arise, it is vital to seek medical treatment immediately before considering herbal remedies to help in sleep apnea treatments.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institue: What is Sleep Apnea?
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-to-Z Guide to Supplements"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2008
- "American Family Physician"; Valerian; Susan Hadley, MD, et al.; April 2003
- MayoClinic.com: Sleep Apnea Livestyle and Home Remedies
- MayoClinic.com: Sleep Apnea Definition
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Valerian
