Dealing With Sleep Apnea Painlessly
Sleep apnea occurs when you regularly stop breathing for ten seconds or longer during sleep, and is caused by a blockage or narrowing of the airways in your nose, mouth or throat. This stoppage can unknowingly occur hundreds of times a night. Sleep apnea is a very serious sleep disorder that requires immediate treatment. Because it is a progressive illness, the symptoms can worsen and eventually lead to other medical conditions that can be life threatening. If you have been diagnosed with this malady or suspect that you have it, then read on for more information on the options for treating sleep apnea and the possible side effects.
There are four basic approaches to apnea treatment, and they can be used in conjunction with one another. The simplest method involves changing the circumstances which may be causing the condition. The patient is advised to lose weight, quit smoking, avoid alcohol and sedative drugs, have a regular sleep schedule and try to sleep only on their side. The most common treatment option is using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in the upper airway to support and hold the airway open. This involves wearing a CPAP mask over the nose. The mask provides a supply of continuously flowing air via a flexible plastic hose from a CPAP machine. Studies have shown that when patients use CPAP, they not only slept better and were more alert during the day, but there were significant improvements in the size, shape and pumping action of their hearts.
The third apnea treatment option is the use of a dental splint to prevent the jaw and tongue from moving back and narrowing the airway. However, oral devices have not proved to be as effective as CPAP and the appliances can be uncomfortable. The fourth and most extreme form of treatment is surgery. This kind of procedure involves removal of the part of the soft palate that hangs down in the back of the throat, as well as the tonsils if present, and other soft tissue if it is felt to be excessive. This procedure is usually reserved for patients with severe sleep apnea.
To diagnose which treatment is best for you, your doctor will evaluate the symptoms you’re experiencing and their severity. If you think that treating sleep apnea is unnecessary, then consider the alternatives. Sleep apnea can lead to depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Patients who do undergo treatment report fewer headaches, improved mood, higher energy and improved job performance.
Getting immediate treatment for this sleep problem will improve your quality of life. Talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble with your treatment. He can suggest ways to make your care easier or help you to explore alternatives. His or her advice will make treating sleep apnea a simple part of your day that you can’t live without.
For those who are able to get a good nights sleep it is unthinkable for somebody to go through insomnia or be worn-out all of the time. Sleep disorders affect millions of people in America and countless other more over the world. The troubles can range from normal snoring all the way sleep apnea. It can put unbelievable stress on a marriage if one individual’s sleeping sounds greatly influence the other. Severe disorders can also be a danger to your life. One of the method to lessen your nighttime suffering is to get as much information and help as you possibly can. You can begin obtaining the assistance you are in need of by going here:
Remedies For Insomnia and more information at Insomnia Medications and Alcohol And Insomnia
Tags: Sleep Apnea
November 29th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Really great contribution. I think, Sleep apnea is a common lack of the required amount of sleep. This may arise as a result of sleep disorders. Now most of the peoples are facing this kind of problem. Sleep is as important to the human body as food and water. Use relaxation techniques to help you fall asleep quickly. Purposefully go to bed earlier each night. Don’t smoke or drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages in the hours before bedtime. Improve your sleeping environment in any way you can.