Sleep Apnea Treatment - How To Remedy This Sleep DisorderThere are many treatments for sleep apnea. Weight loss is a common recommendation for overweight people with sleep apnea. However, most doctors usually recommend treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP is delivered using a small bedside machine that is attached to a plastic hose and nose mask worn by the sleeper. The machine gently delivers air that helps the sleeper breathe normally. Effective surgical treatments are available, including those offered by Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists, and weight loss specialists. Mild cases of sleep apnea may benefit from the use of an oral appliance. Weight Loss Most people with sleep apnea are overweight. Excess weight can contribute significantly to the occurrence and severity of sleep apnea. Sometimes weight loss of 5 or 6 pounds can have a significant impact on the problem. Therefore, weight loss is a common treatment recommendation made by sleep specialists. There is no linear relationship between the amount of weight one loses and improvement in sleep apnea, so it is impossible to predict how much weight loss is needed in order to be helpful. It is most common to find that apnea improves once the patient falls below a critical, “threshold” weight. Weight loss often is difficult to achieve, and may not result in the therapeutic outcome desired. Therefore, weight loss recommendations often are complemented by recommendations for other treatments. CPAP/BiPAP People who suffer from sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnea may be given treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP). These treatments deliver room air to the sleeper’s nasal airway through a nose mask at a pressure that is sufficient to keep the upper airway open and facilitate normal breathing. Nasal CPAP is one of the most commonly recommended treatments for sleep apnea because it is effective in almost all cases. However, the machine must be used on a nightly basis, every time the patient sleeps, in order for it to be truly effective. This can be challenging for some people, who find it difficult to use the system regularly. Others may experience “adverse effects” associated with nasal CPAP use, such as nasal congestion, dryness, or feelings of claustrophobia. The difficulties one has accommodating to nasal CPAP can interfere with treatment compliance. Studies have shown that 20% - 60% of patients abandon the use of nasal CPAP despite the health consequences of doing so. Surgery There are several factors that contribute to the occurrence of sleep apnea. Excessive or redundant tissue in the upper airway (the part of the airway between the tip of one’s nose to the base of one’s tongue) can be one important causative factor. Therefore, some specialists, known as “Ear, Nose, and Throat” doctors have developed several techniques that can be used to effectively treat snoring and sleep apnea. Somnoplasty is a simple, bloodless procedure that is used to treat snoring by using needle-tip radiofrequency to minimize the soft tissue in the upper airway. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) are two procedures that excise (cut out) or reduce excessive tissue in the upper airway. Other surgical procedures such as genioglossus advancement, bimaxillary advancement, also may be attempted during the course of surgical treatment of sleep apnea. Approximately 1/3 of patients who undergo surgical treatment for sleep apnea will realize improvement in respiration during sleep. The well-documented relationship between obesity (overweight) and sleep apnea has led to the use of certain surgeries for obesity, known as bariatric surgery, used in the interest of treating some cases of sleep apnea. Patients who are considering surgical treatments for sleep apnea should speak to their primary care doctors and/or Ear, Nose, & Throat doctors. Thorough evaluation in an accredited sleep laboratory is appropriate before and after surgery in order to document the problem and improvement with treatment. Oral Appliances Snoring and mild sleep apnea may be treated with the use of an oral appliance. An oral appliance is a device that is worn over the teeth during sleep in order to keep the sleeper’s jaw fixed in a “forward” position. Some devices also aid in maintaining a stationary position of the sleeper’s tongue. Oral appliances help to open the upper airway and facilitate airflow during sleep. A dental sleep specialist usually must fit these devices. If you think you have sleep apnea, additional information may be found at www.sleepapnea.org Sleep aid tips web directory is the best way to find information about sleep disorder remedies and sleep apnea treatment. This web page takes the legwork out of finding great sleep apnea treatment resources. We have compiled great links to sleep apnea treatment and sleep disorder remedy information and pages dedicated to sleep apnea treatment here. . . On this directory page you will find links to various sleep apnea treatment and sleep disorder remedy related pages. There you will find great information about sleep apnea treatment. Sleep apnea treatment site links sleep aid Do you have a contribution to make to this site?Here is your chance to submit your article or resource review! |
 
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