subject: How to Treat Sleep Apnea [print this page] How to Treat Sleep Apnea How to Treat Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a medical disorder that affects millions of Americans, and hundreds of millions worldwide. According to some studies, at least 1 in 15 people suffer from it, and the numbers are even higher for the middle aged: between 10 and 25 percent. Men are up to three times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women. The disorder is characterized by irregular breathing during sleep, including long pauses or periods of very low breathing. Chronic sleep apnea can lead to hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels), sleep deprivation leading to severe fatigue, or in some cases even congestive heart failure.Fortunately, as scientists have discovered more about the causes of sleep apnea, a variety of treatment options are available. For many people, the first step is to make some lifestyle changes. Overweight individuals are more likely to experience symptoms of sleep apnea. As a result, the first recommendation from a doctor is to eat healthier and exercise more, which tends to lead to a healthier respiratory system overall. Other helpful lifestyle adjustments include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and avoiding muscle relaxants. For others, simple sleeping changes may be effective. It may help some people to sleep with the upper body elevated, as this lessens the gravitational pressure on breathing airways. Sleeping on the side as opposed to the back can also be beneficial.However, for more advanced cases of sleep apnea, a breathing apparatus is often necessary. The most common is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which functions through opening the passageway during sleep by pushing air into the throat. A plastic facial mask, attached to a pressurized tube, is worn by the patient. The downside to this form of treatment is that some people find the mask annoying and difficult to sleep with.Another method of treatment is known as Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). This is a custom mouthpiece that is usually prescribed by dentists. The mouthpiece is designed to force the lower jaw forward, opening up the breathing passages. This therapy has been common in Europe for awhile, and is starting to be more widely utilized in the U.S.If all else fails, surgery is another treatment option. Usually this involves modifying the anatomy of the airway, which may include the throat, nasal passages, or even the facial bone structure. The exact nature of the surgery depends on the patient, but the main point is to improve the area of breathing obstruction. While more expensive than other treatments, surgery is one of the most effective cures of sleep apnea, with success rates often 90 percent or higher.
