When a person has sleep apnea, their breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Symptoms include daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, and restless sleep.
Last time I started off explaining what sleep apnea is and the causes of sleep apnea, today I’d be sharing with you treatment of sleep apnea.
Treatment aims to normalize breathing during sleep and address any underlying health problems. The options will depend on the cause and severity of symptoms.
Lifestyle changes: According to an article by Medical News Today published on the 17th if December, 2020, Lifestyle modifications are essential to normalizing breathing and are critical first steps in treatment. For milder cases of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend only lifestyle changes Which includes; following a heart healthy diet, developing healthy sleeping habits, limiting alcohol consumption, quit smoking, managing weight and sleeping on the side.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): According to an article by WEBMD published on the 2nd of November, 2021, This is the main treatment for sleep apnea. The CPAP machine pushes a steady stream of air through a mask that you wear while you sleep, keeping your airway open. That helps you snore less (or not at all) and sleep better.
Surgery: Various surgical procedures can widen the airway in people with Sleep Apnea . Surgery can stiffen or shrink obstructing tissue, or remove excess tissue or enlarged tonsils. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the person may undergo the procedure in a doctor’s office or a hospital.
Medication: Some drugs may help with sleep apnea but should only be used after consultation with a sleep specialist. However, these may have severe adverse effects and may not be suitable for everyone. This is basically another reason not to self medicate.
Please see a sleep specialist to recommend medication to use.
