Treatment Options For Sleep Apnea

After you have looked at the side effects and symptoms of sleep apnea, you likely have 
a good idea about whether or not you have this condition. After being diagnosed by your 
doctor, you will then need to discuss treatment options. Here are some different 
treatments that are often effective for this sleep disorder.

CPAP Machine

One of the first treatment options your doctor will probably suggest is the CPAP 
machine. This stands for continuous positive airway pressure, which means it is going 
to help with the pressure of your breathing. When you are sleeping with the CPAP 
machine, there is a mask covering your nose to provide enough air pressure for 
continued breathing. This prevents pauses in your breathing when you have sleep 
apnea.

Breathing Devices

There are also other breathing devices that can help with your breathing when you have 
sleep apnea. These are oral devices that you often get from your dentist, though 
doctors sometimes provide them as well. With oral breathing devices, they also go over 
your nose, and are sometimes referred to as oral dilators.

Medications

Medications are not meant to help you while sleeping, but are something prescribed 
during the day. Insomnia and fatigue are common side effects for people with sleep 
apnea. Until the other treatments begin to work, you may need medications that will 
keep you alert during the day. Talk to your doctor if you have trouble with fatigue, lack of 
energy, and reduced focus during the day to see if medications will be a good fit for you.

Surgery

Surgery is usually the last resort for sleep apnea, but might be recommended if the 
breathing devices or other treatments are not working for you. The primary surgical 
procedure to help with sleep apnea is to remove any excess tissue you have in your 
throat. This tissue often narrows your airway, keeping you from breathing properly. 
There are also some soft palate procedures, as well as removing your tonsils.

Natural Lifestyle Changes

Last up you have the natural lifestyle changes to help treat your sleep apnea. This 
includes losing weight to get to a natural health, treating your acid reflux, and possibly 
trying essential oils to help with the sleeping disorder. You may want to try more 
exercise to get energy throughout the day if you are still struggling with this. Talk to your 
doctor about other possible natural remedies.

