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.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s important that you pursue treatment immediately. It’s also important to follow your prescribed treatment faithfully. While wearing a dental splint or a CPAP mask may seem uncomfortable at first, you’ll soon get used to it. A few nights of discomfort will be worth it once you see how a good night of sleep improves your overall health. People who have undergone sleep apnea treatment have reported fewer headaches, clearer thinking, improved performance at work and better moods.
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.
Sleep disorders can affect a individual’s day to day living. They do not go through the right sleep cycles and their day to day lives begin to be harmed from the deficiency of restful sleep. The conditions can be dangerous. A medical condition known as sleep apnea where the individual actually stops breathing when. It is very dangerous and life threatening if not treated properly. You don’t have to continue to suffering. Even in the event that snoring has become a problem, there are instruments to assist you get a quality nights sleep and feel well rested in the morning hours. Click here for more information:
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