How To Treat Sleep Apnea

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 at 8:08 pm

person with sleep apnea

Painlessly Treating Sleep Apnea

sleeping problems

If you find yourself snoring loudly, tossing and turning constantly during sleep and then waking up with a headache, then it may be time to get tested for a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. This sleeping disorder often goes undiagnosed, but it can have an immense impact on your general health as with all sleep disorders. Treatment for sleep apnea is surprisingly easy and painless, but many patients often neglect the recommendations of their doctor. This decision is one that can prove disastrous – even deadly. In this article, we’ll discuss the treatments that doctors typically suggest and how they can easily be incorporated into your lifestyle.

There are four basic approaches to apnea treatment, and they can be used in conjunction with each other. The simplest method involves changing the situation which could be causing the condition. The patient is advised to lose weight, quit smoking, avoid alcohol and sedative drugs, keep a consistent sleeping schedule and try to lay only on their side. The most common treatment option is using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in the upper airway to hold the airway open using support. This treatment is done by wearing a CPAP mask over the nose. Continuously flowing air is pumped through a small flexible plastic hose by the CPAP machine. Studies have indicated that when patients use CPAP, they not only have slept better and were more attentive throughout the day, but there were vast improvements in the size, shape and pumping action of their hearts.

The third apnea treatment option is the use of an oral splint to prevent the jaw and tongue from shifting back and blocking the allowance of air. However, oral devices have not shown to be as effective as CPAP and the appliances can bring great discomfort. The last and most difficult form of remedy is surgery. This kind of procedure involves removal of part of the soft palate that hangs down in the back of the throat, as well as the tonsils if present, and other soft tissue if it seems to be excessive. Surgery is usually reserved for patients with severe sleep apnea.

It is imperative that you find immediate treatment once you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. It’s also important to follow up with your prescribed treatment faithfully. Wearing a dental splint or a CPAP mask might seem uncomfortable at first, you’ll soon be acclimated to it. A few nights of discomfort will be worth it once you see how a restful night of sleep improves your genera health. People who have undergone sleep apnea treatment have reported better moods, less headaches, a clearer mind, and have enhanced performance at work.

Receiving immediate treatment for this sleep disorder will improve your quality of life. Consult your doctor if you’re having difficulty with your treatment. He can suggest ways to make your care easier or help you to consider other options alternatives. His or her advice will make treating sleep apnea a simple part of your day that won’t want to live without.

By steve bis
Published: 4/19/2008

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