Sleep apnea treatment aims to normalize breathing during sleep, as well as address any underlying health issues. It may include lifestyle changes, medications or surgical procedures. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice carefully to ensure the best outcomes. Your healthcare provider may also want to do a follow-up sleep study to make sure your symptoms and risk factors have been controlled.
People with obstructive sleep apnea have reduced or stopped breathing episodes for brief periods during the night. These occur when the airway becomes constricted or blocked, usually in the back of the throat. It can cause snoring and result in feeling tired, even after a full night of sleep. People with this type of sleep apnea are at greater risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and depression.
Effective Sleep Apnea Treatments: What You Need to Know
CPAP machines use constant air pressure to keep the upper airway open during sleep. These devices are the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. They often reduce the symptoms and improve quality of life. They can be uncomfortable to use and don’t always work well for everyone.
A doctor can prescribe a BiPAP machine for people who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. This device uses the same technology as a CPAP machine, but it releases air at a lower pressure during inhale and a higher pressure during exhale. It may be easier to adjust, which can improve compliance.
A surgical procedure called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) can remove the uvula and other tissue in the back of the throat to widen the area where the mouth, nose and throat connect. It can also reduce the size of the tonsils and adenoids, which can restrict breathing.