Statesman Benjamin Franklin said, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
The sad fact is that over 900 million people cannot get a good’s night rest because of sleep apnea. This is a common but serious sleep disorder. It’s characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes. It can also happen several times in an hour.
So how can people tell if they have this condition? There are some distinctive sleep apnea symptoms. Snoring is a common feature. So is insomnia or waking up several times in the middle of the night. Mood changes, memory loss, and lack of focus are symptoms as well.
Sleep apnea can lead to various health issues if left untreated. People with this condition can suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease. They can also develop diabetes. Many even experience daytime fatigue.
The good news is there are many effective treatment options for sleep apnea. Here’s a quick guide on how to treat sleep apnea.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
CPAP therapy is the most common and effective sleep apnea treatment. It’s often used for moderate to severe sleep apnea.
A CPAP machine delivers a continuous stream of air via a mask. This keeps the airway open during sleep. It prevents interruptions in breathing. The device ensures the individual has a restful night’s sleep.
Oral Appliances
Oral appliances are custom-made devices. A person with sleep apnea wears one during sleep to keep the airway open.
These appliances work by repositioning the jaw or tongue to prevent airway obstruction. They are often used for mild to moderate sleep apnea. They’re also a good option for those who don’t like CPAP therapy.
There are several benefits to using oral appliances. They’re easy to use. These mouthpieces are comfortable and less intrusive than CPAP machines. They’re portable so one can bring them when traveling. Oral appliances are also tailored to fit the patient’s mouth. This ensures the greatest effectiveness.
Sleep Apnea Surgery Options
There are many cases where surgery is the only viable sleep apnea treatment. This option is only considered when other treatments are ineffective though. Here are the common procedures available today:
Inspire Therapy
This entails implanting a device in the chest. It stimulates the airway muscles to keep them open during sleep.
Genioglossus Advancement (GA)
The procedure repositions the tongue muscle attachment. This prevents the airway from collapsing.
Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
To enlarge the airway, there is a movement of the upper and lower jaw in this procedure.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
This procedure entails the removal of excess tissue from the throat. It’s done to widen the airway.
Embrace Specific Lifestyle Changes
There are also non-medical treatments or approaches individuals can do. These strategies aren’t cures, but they can improve obstructive sleep apnea. They can reduce it to the point where it stops happening.
A lifestyle change a person can make is to manage their weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for people with sleep apnea. Excess weight can obstruct the airway and worsen the apnea. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce weight. It can also improve sleep apnea symptoms.
A person’s sleep position also impacts apnea. Sleeping on one’s back can cause the tongue and soft tissues to collapse to the back of the throat. The airway becomes blocked when this happens. Sleeping on one’s side can help keep the airway open. People with sleep apnea can use special pillows to help them. There are also positional therapy instruments that can individuals keep a side-sleeping position.
It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol and sedatives. These relax the muscles in the throat. The likelihood of airway obstruction increases when this happens. Avoiding these substances can reduce sleep apnea.
Treating sleep apnea is essential for improving health and quality of life. People can manage this disorder by making some lifestyle changes. They can also do CPAP therapy or use oral appliances. Surgery is also an option.
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