Treatment of Sleep Apnea: Options That Improve Sleep and Health

The treatment of sleep apnea has come a long way in recent years. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often due to a blocked or narrowed airway. It can lead to daytime fatigue, mood disturbances, and more serious health risks like high blood pressure and heart disease. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage the condition depending on the type and severity.

CPAP Machines

One of the most commonly prescribed treatments for obstructive sleep apnea is the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. This device uses a mask to deliver a steady stream of pressurized air, which keeps the airway open while you sleep.

CPAP therapy is effective for many people and can significantly reduce snoring, daytime tiredness, and cardiovascular strain. Machines now come with quiet motors, heated humidifiers, and a variety of mask options for added comfort.

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances are another treatment option for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. These custom-made devices fit like a mouthguard and work by shifting the lower jaw or tongue forward, which helps keep the airway open during sleep.

Many people prefer oral appliances because they’re portable, quiet, and easier to get used to than CPAP. A sleep-trained dentist can help determine if this option is appropriate and ensure the fit is correct.

Weight Loss and Exercise

Excess weight is a common contributing factor to sleep apnea, particularly when fat accumulates around the neck or upper airway. Even a modest amount of weight loss can lead to measurable improvements in breathing during sleep.

Incorporating regular exercise not only supports weight management but may also improve sleep quality. While weight loss alone may not eliminate sleep apnea in all cases, it can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

Positional Therapy

Some people experience sleep apnea primarily when sleeping on their backs. In these cases, positional therapy can be effective. The goal is to encourage side sleeping, which can prevent the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into the airway.

There are wearable devices that gently vibrate when you roll onto your back, prompting you to shift position. Special pillows or wedges can also help maintain a side-sleeping posture throughout the night.

Treatment of Nasal Congestion

Blocked nasal passages can make sleep apnea worse or interfere with CPAP therapy. Treating nasal congestion may involve over-the-counter or prescription medications like nasal corticosteroids or antihistamines. Saline rinses and humidifiers can also help reduce dryness and inflammation in the nasal passages.

In some cases, structural issues like a deviated septum or nasal polyps may require surgical correction to restore airflow and support better sleep breathing.

Surgical Interventions

For individuals who do not respond to non-invasive treatments or who have specific anatomical issues, surgery may be an option. Surgical treatments are typically recommended only after other methods have been tried.

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removes excess tissue from the soft palate and throat to widen the airway.
• Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): Moves the jaw forward to enlarge the upper airway space.
• Nasal surgeries: Correct structural problems that block nasal airflow.
• Inspire Therapy: An implantable device that stimulates airway muscles during sleep to prevent collapse.

Surgical treatments vary widely in complexity and effectiveness, depending on the cause and severity of the condition.

Behavioral and Cognitive Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) may be beneficial for people with sleep apnea who also experience trouble falling or staying asleep. This form of therapy focuses on improving sleep habits and reducing anxiety around sleep.

Behavioral strategies like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding heavy meals before bed, and reducing screen time in the evening can also support better sleep and make other treatments more effective.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Treatment of sleep apnea doesn't end with a prescription. Ongoing follow-up is essential to ensure that the chosen therapy is working effectively. Periodic evaluations can help determine whether adjustments are needed, such as changing mask styles, modifying pressure settings, or exploring new treatment options.

Some devices come with built-in data tracking, allowing providers to review usage patterns and treatment results remotely. Keeping an open line of communication with your healthcare provider helps ensure long-term success in managing sleep apnea.