Wake Up To Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment

Of all the sleep disorders, apnea is one of the most serious. Because breathing is stopped, often hundreds of times a night, the side effects of the disorder can be debilitating. Besides persistent sleepiness, apneas can lead to depression, diabetes and even death.

There are several sleep apnea treatment methods available to deal with mild, moderate and severe cases of the disorder. The first step toward a healthier life and a better night of sleep is reading this article for more information about this sleep disorder and how to get treatment.

There currently is no proven sleep medicine for sleep apnea. However, there are four basic approaches to treatment. Firstly, doctors recommend changing the circumstances which may be causing the apnea.

This would include suggesting that the patient lose weight, quit smoking and avoid alcohol and sedative drugs. The sufferer should also get into a regular sleeping schedule and try to sleep only on their side.

The second and most common treatment option is in using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in the upper airway to support and hold the airway open. This involves wearing a CPAP mask over the nose. The mask provides a supply of continuously flowing air via a flexible plastic hose from a CPAP machine.

The third treatment option is the use of a dental splint. One of the reasons for the upper airway to become narrowed at night is because the tongue falls posteriorly. Using a dental splint at night prevents the jaw and tongue from moving back.

However, oral devices have not proven to be as effective, as CPAP and the appliances can be uncomfortable. The fourth and most extreme form of apnea treatment is surgery. This kind of procedure increases the size of the upper airway.

It usually involves removal of the part of the soft palate that hangs down in the back of the throat, as well as the tonsils if present, and other soft tissue if it is felt to be excessive. This procedure is usually reserved for patients with severe sleep apnea.

Once you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it's important that you pursue treatment immediately. Failing to do so could result in further serious medical conditions like high blood pressure, depression, diabetes and heart disease.

It's also important to follow your prescribed treatment faithfully. While wearing a dental splint or a CPAP mask may seem uncomfortable at first, you'll soon get used to it. A few nights of discomfort will be worth it once you see how continually getting a restful night of sleep is improving your overall health.

People who have undergone sleep apnea treatment have reported fewer headaches, clearer thinking, improved performance at work and better moods.

There is no one "type" of person who gets sleep apnea. Men, women and children can all suffer, but the disorder seems to be more common among people who are overweight, over the age of forty, have a large neck size and family history of the sleep problem. What everyone does have in common is the ability to get sleep apnea treatment and live a healthier life.