Sleep Apnea: Discover the Most Effective Treatment Options
May 31, 2023
6 min read
Sleep apnea is an often serious disorder in which the individual's normal breathing pattern during sleep is regularly interrupted, and pauses in breathing occur.
It can lead to other health issues, such as high blood pressure and depression, so it's crucial to find the right treatment solution for you if you suffer from this condition.
How Common Is Sleep Apnea in the United States?
Sleep apnea is when breathing stops and repeatedly starts while you are asleep. It is caused by the upper airway becoming blocked or narrowed due to muscle relaxation, enlarged tissue, or a combination of both. It can occur in adults and children and lead to long-term health problems.
In the United States, sleep apnea affects an estimated 18 million Americans. Given its prevalence, it's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that appropriate diagnosis and treatment can begin immediately.
Some typical indications of sleep apnea include snoring loudly, gasping or choking for breath while sleeping, feeling tired or excessively sleepy during the day, difficulty concentrating, experiencing morning headaches, and having a dry mouth upon waking up.
Top 10 Sleep Apnea Relief Treatments
Do you wake up feeling exhausted even after a full night of sleep? Chances are, you're suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a chronic, often undiagnosed health condition that causes disrupted breathing at night and can lead to daytime fatigue.
Fortunately, many treatments are available that help relieves this nocturnal nuisance. Here are the most popular sleep apnea relief treatments to regain a good night's rest—free from interruption!
1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
CPAP is the most popular therapy for treating sleep apnea and includes the use of a mask that covers the nose and mouth, connected to a machine that provides a continual stream of air. The steady pressure from this machine helps to keep the airways open, avoiding any interruptions in breathing associated with sleep apnea.
CPAP therapy is highly effective, with studies showing that it can reduce the number of apnea events by more than 80%. However, some people find the mask uncomfortable or claustrophobic and may struggle to adapt to using it regularly.
2. Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Therapy
Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) therapy is similar to CPAP therapy, but the machine delivers different air pressures during inhalation and exhalation. This can make the treatment process more pleasant for those requiring increased air pressure or who have difficulty exhaling against the pressure of a CPAP machine.
BiPAP therapy benefits individuals with certain medical conditions that can impact breathing, such as heart failure or lung disease.
3. Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) Therapy
Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) therapy is similar to CPAP therapy, but the machine is programmed to adjust the air pressure automatically based on the individual's breathing patterns. This can be particularly helpful for people whose breathing patterns vary throughout the night or whose pressure requirements are challenging to determine.
4. Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy involves the use of a custom-fitted mouthguard that is worn during sleep. The appliance is designed to reposition the jaw and tongue in a way that helps to keep the airway open. This can be a good option for people who find CPAP therapy uncomfortable or who have mild to moderate sleep apnea.
5. Surgery
Surgery may be necessary in some cases to address sleep apnea. Several surgical procedures can be used, depending on the specific cause of sleep apnea. For example, surgery may be used to remove excess tissue from the throat or to reposition the jaw.
Surgery is typically only recommended for individuals with severe sleep apnea who have not responded well to other treatment options. While surgery can be highly effective, it is also more invasive and carries a greater risk of complications.
6. Lifestyle Changes
In addition to the above treatment options, several lifestyle changes can help manage sleep apnea. These include:
- Weight loss: Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea, and losing weight can help reduce the severity of the condition.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of sleep apnea.
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: These substances can relax the muscles in the throat, making it more likely that the airway will become obstructed during sleep.
- Sleeping on your side: Sleeping on your back can raise the chances of experiencing sleep apnea, as gravity can cause the tongue and other tissues in the throat to collapse and block the airway.
7. Positional Therapy
Positional therapy involves training the individual to sleep in a specific position, such as on their side, to help prevent the airway from becoming obstructed. This can be particularly helpful for people whose sleep apnea is only present when they sleep on their backs.
Specialized pillows or positional belts can be used to help encourage sleeping on the side. In certain cases, a healthcare expert may suggest using a vibrating alarm or other stimuli to train an individual to switch positions while sleeping.
8. Inspiratory Muscle Training
Inspiratory muscle training involves exercises designed to strengthen the muscles used for breathing, particularly the muscles in the chest and diaphragm. This can help to improve the strength and tone of the muscles involved in breathing, reducing the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep.
Inspiratory muscle training can be particularly helpful for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy.
9. Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves placing small needles in targeted places on the body to stimulate healing and calming signs associated with numerous medical conditions. While there is limited research on the use of acupuncture for sleep apnea, some studies have suggested that it may be helpful in reducing the severity of the condition.
Acupuncture is generally considered safe, but it is vital to work with a trained and licensed acupuncturist to ensure that the treatment is appropriate and effective.
10. Medications
While there are no medications specifically approved for treating sleep apnea, some drugs may help manage the symptoms of the condition. For example, medications that promote wakefulness, such as modafinil or armodafinil, may be beneficial in reducing daytime sleepiness and improving cognitive function in individuals with sleep apnea.
Medications may also be used to treat underlying medical conditions that contribute to sleep apnea, such as nasal congestion or acid reflux.
Say Goodbye to Sleepless Nights
Many different treatment options are available for those suffering from Sleep Apnea, ranging from lifestyle changes such as weight loss or avoiding alcohol before bedtime all the way up to surgery in extreme cases where other treatments have failed or weren't suitable in the first place.
It's essential to consult your doctor about which treatment plan would best suit your needs to get back on track towards better quality restful nights! Ultimately, finding an effective solution will help lead toward improved overall health outcomes down the line, so don't hesitate to reach out today if you feel like Sleep Apnea might be impacting your quality of life!
