We encourage all who are suspecting having OSAS or any sleep-related respiratory disorder to seek proper diagnosis and management. Early during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were severe restrictions on testing. Most of those restrictions have now been lifted but could be re-instated based on the local situation. While waiting for those tests or if unable to tolerate or access any therapy, here are some mitigation measures than might decrease the severity of the breathing challenges at night which may also decrease somewhat your symptoms.

1. Avoid sleeping on your back or raise the bed’s headboard. This can be achieved with a positional belt or inclined pillows available at Côté Santé.

2. Some individuals may draw health benefits by treating their allergies — even outside the allergy season — with over-the-counter drugs such as nasal corticosteroids and antihistamines.

3. Avoid respiratory irritants (chimney fire, perfumes, strong cleaning products, cigarettes, dust, etc).

4. Try an external nasal dilator (such as Breathe Right, available in drug stores without a prescription) which could diminish somewhat the severity.

5. Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, narcotics, and muscle relaxants which have the potential to increase obstructive sleep apnea, excessively slow down your breathing (hypoventilation) while the narcotics may in addition create centrale sleep apnea.

6. If possible, carry on with your efforts in loosing excess body fat and gaining muscle mass. Stop eating….feed yourself ! Get moving! Sleep! Be healthy and Happy!

7. If you wish to lose weight; reduce your food portions, avoid sugars and starchy food (bread, pasta, potatoes, etc.). Concentrate on eating vegetables and proteins (nuts, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, meat). You will feel more alert and less sleepy by reducing your sugar and starchy food intake.

   Côté Santé has resumed its sleep testing services, treatment protocols and regular yearly follow up with protocols and procedures all revised to the new reality. It had remained open for emergency situations during the 1st wave and hope to be able to continue to serve the population in the coming months.

   We wish you inflammation free, restful nights and healthy days.

   Obstructive sleep apnea mitigation measures are within your reach.

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