Sleep apnea is the most common of all sleep disorders. It can affect your overall health in a serious manner if left untreated. Here are some options for treatment if you are diagnosed with this breathing disorder during sleep:
Lifestyle Changes
Some lifestyle choices you make can have a negative effect on sleep apnea. Changing these habits could make a difference in your ability to control it:
* Losing weight and exercising regularly: Weight loss could be the single most beneficial treatment for those suffering from sleep apnea. This combined with an exercise program that is safe and effective could help to alleviate your disorder.
After weight loss you should be tested to insure that your apnea has been corrected.
* Quitting smoking: The irritation to your mouth and throat created by smoking can make snoring and sleep apnea worse.
* Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: Alcohol should be avoided for at least 4 hours before going to bed. Alcohol and sedatives will make the muscles in your throat more relaxed, thus contributing to your sleep apnea.
If your physician has prescribed a sedative medication for you, they should be made aware that you have a sleep related breathing disorder.
* Sleeping on your side or stomach: There are people who only experience difficulty breathing when they are sleeping on their back. Sewing a tennis ball in a pocket on the back of a T-shirt, and wearing it to sleep in, will help you to train yourself to stay on your side and not roll onto your back during the night.
Medical Therapy
Positive Airway Pressure Devices: PAP devices are the standard way to treat sleep apnea. These devices keep the airway open by blowing a certain level of air pressure into it via a mask that you wear when you sleep.
CPAP is a continuous pressure device that sends one constant pressure for both inhalation and exhalation. BIPAP sends a higher pressure for inhalation than it does for exhalation. Auto devices are also available that will deliver a variable pressure throughout the night, depending on your needs.
Oral Appliances: These devices look very much like mouth guards and work by holding the tongue and jaw forward to open the airway.
