Honey
There are many treatments for sleep apnea, but one that many people may not have considered is honey. Honey has been traditionally used as a cough suppressant and treatment for sore throats. It works by coating the throat and suppressing the cough reflex. Coughing is often associated with sleep apnea, so it stands to reason that honey may help treat the condition.
Honey is also a natural antimicrobial, which means it can help fight infection. This is important because obstruction in the airway, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, often causes sleep apnea. By fighting infection, honey may help reduce the inflammation and swelling causing the obstruction.
Honey is also a natural source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics may help to protect the tissues in the throat from damage caused by the repetitive breathing movements associated with sleep apnea. Honey may also help improve sleep quality by increasing serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. Honey can be consumed orally or applied topically to the throat for obstructive sleep apnea.
