Sleep apnea treatments have advanced over the years. Here's everything you should know to help you find the right treatment for you.

Sleep Apnea Treatments: Everything You Should Know

Are you struggling to find the motivation to wake up in the morning? Have you been feeling exhausted for a long time and can’t explain why?

There’s a chance that you might have sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that disrupts your breathing while you’re sleeping.

Many people with sleep apnea don’t know they have it until they tell their doctor. Fortunately, sleep apnea treatments are available so that you can wake up refreshed without any work on your part!

Keep reading to learn more about sleep apnea and how you can get rid of it so you can wake up ready to take on the day! Let’s dig in!

Contents

Lifestyle Changes

There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea and improve your overall health. Some simple changes include:

Losing Weight

Losing weight is often one of the best treatments for sleep apnea. When you are overweight, your throat and neck tissues can sag and block your airway.

Losing just 10-15% of your body weight can often improve sleep and help you feel more well-rested. If you are struggling to lose weight on your own, talk to your doctor about weight loss surgery or other medical treatments that can help.

Quitting Smoking

Smoking can make sleep apnea worse by irritating the airways and causing inflammation. Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your sleep disorder. 

And there are many resources available to help you quit smoking, including counseling, support groups, and medication.

Reducing Alcohol Intake

There are a few different sleep apnea treatments available, but one of the most effective is reducing alcohol intake. Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat and can cause the airway to collapse.

It is especially dangerous for people with sleep apnea, as it can worsen their condition. If you drink alcohol, it’s important to limit your intake and ensure you’re not drinking too close to bedtime.

Sleeping On Your Side

One common method of treating sleep apnea is sleeping on your side. You can do this by using a special pillow that props you up or by sewing a tennis ball into the back of your pajamas.

Sleeping on your side allows gravity to keep your tongue and soft palate from blocking your airway. It can also help to prevent stomach Contents from splashing back up into your throat.

Using a Humidifier

A humidifier helps keep the air in your bedroom moist, which can help prevent the snoring caused by sleep apnea.

It can also help to reduce the risk of developing sleep apnea in the first place. It is also a great option if you are looking for a sleep apnea treatment that is both effective and affordable.

Using Saline Spray 

If you have sleep apnea, you may also use a saline spray to moisten and lubricate the inside of the nose. The spray will wash away any irritants that can cause inflammation and blockages.

Saline spray is safe to use on a daily basis and can be found over the counter at most pharmacies. These can help to keep the nasal passages clear and moist, which can help to prevent snoring and improve sleep quality.

If all of these healthy lifestyle changes and remedies don’t work, your doctor may recommend something that will ease your burden or sleeping disorder.

Mouthpieces

Mouthpieces are a common treatment for sleep apnea and can be very effective. There are a few different types of mouthpieces, and your doctor can help you choose the right one for you.

Some mouthpieces are adjustable so that you can find the perfect fit. Others are made to keep your tongue from blocking your airway. Whichever type you choose, be sure to follow the directions carefully and clean your mouthpiece regularly.

Breathing Devices

There are three main types of breathing devices used to treat sleep apnea: Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices, Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, and Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) devices.

PAP devices are the most common type of breathing device. CPAP devices are used when PAP devices are not effective. BiPAP devices are used when a person has a medical condition that makes them difficult to use a PAP device.

Surgery

There are a number of surgical treatments for sleep apnea, but they are typically reserved for people who have not had success with other, less invasive treatments. The most common surgery for sleep apnea are: 

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a surgical procedure used to treat sleep apnea. It is usually recommended for people who have not responded to other treatments, such as CPAP.

UPPP involves removing the excess tissue in the back of the throat, including the uvula and soft palate. It enlarges the airway and helps prevent the tissues from collapsing and blocking the airway during sleep.

UPPP is usually done in a hospital and takes about 2-3 hours. After the surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. There is usually some pain and discomfort after the Surgery, but this can be controlled with pain medication.

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is considered the most effective surgical treatment for sleep apnea. MMA involves moving the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw) forward to open the airway.

This Surgery can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures, such as a genioglossus advancement (tongue-tie release) or a septoplasty (nasal septum correction).

MMA is also generally safe, with a low risk of complications. The most common side effects are temporary and include pain, bruising, and swelling.

And it is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Recovery takes about two weeks, during which time you may experience some discomfort and soreness.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

There are many different potential causes of sleep apnea. In some cases, it may be due to an underlying medical condition such as heart disease, kidney failure, or obesity.

In other cases, sleep apnea may be caused by an anatomical issue such as a large tongue, small jaw, or enlarged tonsils. It can also be related to a person’s lifestyle. Some sleep apnea sufferers snore loudly, while others do not.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person experiences pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping. These pauses can last for several seconds and occur dozens to hundreds of times throughout the night. 

Other symptoms include restless sleep, fatigue during the day, waking up short of breath, and waking up with a headache. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor find out if you have sleep apnea.

Different Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your throat muscles relax, and your airway becomes blocked. This can cause you to snore loudly or grunt or snort when you breathe.

You may not realize you’re doing it, but it can disrupt your sleep and cause you to wake up frequently during the night. Obstructive sleep apnea can also cause daytime fatigue, insomnia, and headaches. 

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing. These can cause periods of apnea or pause in breathing during sleep.

Central sleep apnea is often treated with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, which helps keep the airways open during sleep.

Mixed Sleep Apnea

Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of the other two types. This condition is less common than the other two types of sleep apnea. 

It occurs when there is an airway blockage, and the brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles to keep the airway open. This condition can be caused by a number of factors, including obesity, smoking, and alcohol use.

Treatment for mixed sleep apnea is similar to treatment for the other two types of sleep apnea. If you think you might have sleep apnea, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Try Out These Sleep Apnea Treatments Today

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can significantly impact your health. If you are one of the millions of people suffering from sleep apnea, it’s important to see a doctor to get treated.

As we see, many different sleep apnea treatments are available, and the best one for you will depend on the severity of your condition. Some common treatments mentioned above include CPAP therapy, mouthpieces, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

Also, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor first about which treatment is right for you. So, what are you waiting for? Schedule a consultation with the best doctor today!

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