Sleep apnea treatments
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that can impact your overall health if not addressed. Fortunately, there are treatment options available. Treating sleep apnea can restore the quality of your sleep, allowing you to wake up refreshed and energized. With effective treatment, you can enjoy more restful nights and approach each day with renewed vigor
Is sleep apnea be cureable?
Obstructive sleep apnea, the most prevalent type, often results from excess tissue around the neck, especially in the throat and palate. One approach to mitigate this risk is by reducing the tissue in this region.
For overweight individuals, weight loss is a potential treatment avenue. Alternatively, surgery to reduce excess tissue around the neck is an option, though it carries potential side effects and success isn't guaranteed, making it a last-resort choice.
Combining CPAP therapy with weight loss is often recommended by doctors for treating sleep apnea. This combined approach tends to be more effective than either intervention alone.
The first line of treatment for central sleep apnea typically involves CPAP or a similar therapy. Addressing the underlying cause may also lead to improvement in central sleep apnea symptoms.
What are the benefits of treating sleep apnea?
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Treating sleep apnea can lead to noticeable improvements in energy levels, mood, and productivity. You may experience increased alertness during the day and a decrease in daytime headaches if they were caused or worsened by sleep apnea.
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Your overall sense of well-being may improve, benefiting both you and your family members who may have been affected by your snoring.
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Seeking treatment for sleep apnea is crucial for your long-term health, as it can have significant effects on heart health, metabolism, and overall well-being.
How to treat obstructive sleep apnea
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If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to weight gain. Losing weight, especially if you're overweight, can help manage sleep apnea and improve your overall health.
Stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol intake, especially in the evening, can also alleviate obstructive sleep apnea. -
For some people, sleep apnea occurs only when they sleep on their back. Sleeping on their side resolves the issue. If this sounds like you, positional therapy might be the solution. One effective approach is to sew a tennis ball into the back of your pajamas to prevent you from rolling onto your back during sleep.
There are also more high-tech solutions: gadgets that sense if you roll onto your back, and then gentle urge you to move back onto your side. -
CPAP stands for "continuous positive airway pressure", which is the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea. This device delivers a steady stream of air through a mask while you sleep, preventing airway blockage and promoting restful sleep. Discover more about CPAP therapy and its benefits.
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Bi-level machines, also known as Bi-PAP machines, are similar to CPAP machines but offer lower pressure during exhalation. If you find regular CPAP difficult to adjust to due to needing higher pressure for sleep apnea treatment, a Bi-PAP machine may provide greater comfort and effectiveness.
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An alternative to CPAP therapy is a specially designed custom mouthguard, like the Narval™ CC. It works by holding your bottom jaw forward, creating more space behind your tongue.
The Narval™ is effective in reducing snoring and treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. For individuals with severe obstructive sleep apnea who struggle with CPAP, trying a Narval™ mouthguard may be recommended. -
If CPAP and/or mandibular therapy have not been effective for you, your surgeon may recommend one or more invasive surgical options as a last resort for treating sleep apnea.
Somnoplasty reduces soft tissue at the back of your throat. Sinus surgery can alleviate snoring caused by a blocked nose. Removing tonsils and adenoids may improve airflow if they are obstructing the airway. Surgery to trim tissue from the soft palate or uvula can alleviate breathing issues during sleep.
Laser treatment induces scar tissue formation on the soft palate, which becomes stiff as it heals. -
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How to Treat Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea affects up to 20% of those with sleep apnea. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea occurs when your brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This causes you to stop breathing for 10 seconds or more while asleep. Eventually, reduced oxygen levels prompt you to take a breath.
Treatment for Central Sleep Apnea May Include:
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Central sleep apnea may be linked to other health issues, such as heart failure.
By addressing and treating these underlying conditions, central sleep apnea symptoms may improve. -
Certain medications can cause central sleep apnea. Your doctor may discuss adjusting or changing your medications to help alleviate the symptoms.
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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is often used to treat central sleep apnea. If CPAP isn't effective, adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) may be recommended. ASV is a more sophisticated device that adjusts the air pressure breath-by-breath to smooth out your breathing patterns.
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Managing Mild Sleep Apnea Without CPAP
Mild sleep apnea is characterized by having between 5 and 14 breathing pauses every hour. If you have mild sleep apnea and no other medical conditions or risk factors, you can consider managing it with lifestyle changes and regular monitoring.
In addition to achieving your ideal weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake, you can also consider using a humidifier to reduce congestion in your airways and keep your nose clear. Essential oils like thyme, rose, or eucalyptus, known for their anti-inflammatory effects, can be beneficial if you don’t mind their scent.
If you continue to experience symptoms despite trying these methods, it’s a good idea to speak with one of our friendly consultant to discuss your next steps.
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