How to Treat Sleep Apnea

Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder that causes a person to stop breathing repeatedly during the night. Despite the fact that there are many new methods available to reduce or completely alleviate symptoms, a large number of sleep apnea sufferers go without the medical treatment they need.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• CPAP machine and mask

Treat Your Sleep Apnea

1. Try to live a healthier lifestyle by exercising, eating right, quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol intake. Losing weight is the most effective way to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea, as one of the main causes of obstructive sleep apnea is fatty deposits in the back of the throat.
2. Ask your doctor whether a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and mask will help you. The CPAP equipment helps to keep the airflow moving through your respiratory system while you sleep. It is one of the most effective ways to treat sleep apnea.
3. Consult with your doctor to learn whether surgery is the answer for your sleep apnea. Removal of the tonsils or adenoids often alleviates the symptoms of sleep apnea. There are also new, less invasive procedures in which fat deposits in the back of the throat are removed or stapled.
4. Avoid lying on your back while sleeping, as doing so can cause the fatty deposits in the back of your throat to close your airway. Most sleep apnea sufferers rest more effectively when they're lying on their sides.
5. Follow through with your doctor or sleep-disorder specialist if there are any changes, whether positive or negative, in your sleep apnea symptoms, so that you will know what is working best for you.
6. Stay alert for any of the warning signs or symptoms of sleep apnea, such as headaches, drowsiness during the day, a dry or scratchy throat, waking up frequently during the night or gasping and choking upon awakening.
7. Learn about CPAP equipment at FamilyDoctor.org (see Resources below). This website offers information about using and troubleshooting CPAP devices.

Tips & Warnings

• Use of a CPAP can cause side effects in some sleep apnea patients. These side effects can include a dry or stuffy nose, headaches, bloated stomach, facial rash or bloodshot eyes. Let your doctor know if you experience any of these symptoms.