obstructive sleep apnea: Treatment of sleep apnea: Everything you need to know

There are numerous options available for the treatment of sleep apnea, depending on its type and severity. While none of them is a cure, they can all help avoid apnea episodes or lessen their frequency or severity.

Anybody, from young toddlers and infants to elderly, can develop sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is relatively rare, though, with 5-10% of people worldwide, according to experts, getting impacted by the condition.

Treatment of sleep apnea often includes basic tools to enhance sleep. (Image via Pexels/Ron)

See a healthcare professional if you suspect you may have it. Your symptoms may be lessened by treatment, which may also help you avoid complications like heart disease.

What is sleep apnea?

Teatment of sleep apnea may be possible. (Image via Pexels/George Milton)

Sleep apnea, a potentially deadly sleep problem, is characterized by frequent breathing pauses and starts. It may be the reason if you snore loudly and still feel exhausted after a full night's sleep.

Often, people think their sleep cycle is normal and are unaware that they have ceased breathing. Snoring and sleep apnea might sound similar. Along with making yourself more exhausted in the morning, sleep apnea can lead to many health issues.

For most of the time, sleep apnea has particular causes, and there's evidence that it may run in families. These are the primary forms of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea

OSA happens when the neck muscles relax and obstruct the passage of air to the lungs. It's the more typical type of the condition.

CSA (Central sleep apnea)

This happens when the brain fails to properly communicate with the respiratory muscles.

Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea

Sometimes called CSA, this condition occurs when someone with OSA, as determined by a sleep study, converts to CSA while undergoing treatment for OSA.

Home treatment of sleep apnea

Conventional treatment for sleep apnea involves using a CPAP mask at night. Even if it works, some people find the approach unsettling. Several natural therapies may provide the same benefits.

Here are four alternatives to medical treatment of sleep apnea:

1) Yoga

Your energy level will rise, heart will get stronger, and sleep apnea will get better with regular exercise. Yoga can specifically strengthen the breathing muscles and promote oxygen flow.

Blood oxygen saturation decreases when you have sleep apnea. Breathing techniques of yoga can help raise oxygen level, consequently lessening the number of sleep disturbances you might encounter.

2) Weight loss

Most people who have sleep apnea are overweight. It can be more difficult to breathe if you have additional tissue in your neck due to weight gain. Even a few pounds lost can frequently help with the symptoms of sleep apnea.

Use of drugs and sleep pills is not recommended, though. They cause the muscles in the back of the throat to become less toned, which can obstruct airflow.

3) Switch sleeping positions

Staying off your back may help you breathe more comfortably. Here's how to avoid rolling over:

Attach a tube sock filled with two tennis balls to the back of your pajamas with a pin. That will allow you to switch your sleep position and sleep better.

4) Give up smoking

Smoking can exacerbate snoring and sleep apnea by causing the upper airway to bulge more. Furthermore, quitting smoking helps hasten resolution of many health-related issues.

Other treatments of sleep apnea

You may incorporate alternate treatment of sleep apnea in your daily (or overnight) routine. As long as you continue these therapies, that can eventually lessen or perhaps completely eradicate the negative consequences of sleep apnea.

Treatment options include:

Conventional (non-medical) therapies
Devices for adjustable ventilation and positive airway pressure
Oral appliances (mouthpieces)
Nerve stimulants
Surgery
Medicines (central sleep apnea only)

Although loud snoring may be a sign of a potentially dangerous issue, not everyone with sleep apnea snores. If you experience sleep apnea symptoms, consult your doctor. Any sleep issues that make you tired, sleepy, or irritated should be discussed with your healthcare physician.

The time it takes to recover or feel good following sleep apnea therapy depends on the particular treatment. Some people feel better immediately, while others might not fully benefit from the treatment of sleep apnea till three to six months of constant nightly dosing.

Further information about the recovery process and when you might anticipate feeling better can be obtained from your healthcare professional. Treatment of sleep apnea may seem tricky, but it can be incredibly powerful.

Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.

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