Sleep Apnea
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Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea treatment focuses on restoring regular nighttime breathing and relieving sleep apnea symptoms. Common forms of treatment for sleep apnea include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure, and a mouthpiece. Although medications are generally not an effective form of treatment, decongestants may be helpful if nasal congestion is contributing to breathing problems.

 

An Overview of Treatment for Sleep Apnea

There are a variety of treatments for sleep apnea, depending on an individual's medical history and the severity of the sleep apnea.
 
Treatment for sleep apnea can include:
 
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
  • Surgery
  • Medications.
     

Lifestyle Changes as Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Most treatment begins with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and medications that relax the central nervous system (for example, sedatives and muscle relaxants). Some people are helped by special pillows or devices that keep them from sleeping on their backs, or oral appliances (mouthpieces) that keep the airway open during sleep.
 

CPAP or Surgery as Treatment for Sleep Apnea

If the previously mentioned forms of sleep apnea treatment are not effective, doctors often recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP consists of a face mask that is attached to a tube, and a machine that blows pressurized air into the mask and through the airway to keep it open.
 
There are also surgical procedures that can be used to remove tissue and widen the airway. Some individuals may need a combination of therapies to successfully treat their sleep apnea.
 
(Treatment for Sleep Apnea Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD