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When most people think of sleep apnea treatments, they think of the CPAP machine.
But while this is a common and effective treatment, CPAP machines aren’t the only option.
Often, traditional treatments are best paired with lifestyle changes, to tackle sleep apnea from every angle.
This is also known as ‘treatment stacking’.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by disrupted breathing during rest.
OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea, estimated to effect around936 million people globally.
CSA is a less common form of sleep apnea its thought around70 million people worldwidehave CSA.
This causes breathing to stop and start as you sleep.
Are both types of sleep apnea treated differently?
Further forms of treatment include adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) machines and supplemental oxygen.
“This keeps the airway open and prevents interruptions in breathing, improving sleep quality.”
When used consistently and correctly, CPAP machines can effectively treat even severe sleep apnea.
Dr. Chelsea Perry, owner ofSleep Solutions, describes CPAP as the “gold standard” treatment.
However, while CPAP machines are a common treatment, they aren’t always the best method.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards are a popular, and less invasive, alternative to CPAP machines.
“Custom night guards are ahighly effective treatment, particularly for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.”
The most commonly usedmouthguards for sleep apneaare Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs).
These mouthguards keep the airway open by holding the lower jaw and tongue further forward.
Boil and bite guards can be purchased over-the-counter, and might even be recommended by your dentist.
As Moran explains, they are “oversized to fit as many people as possible.”
The guard is boiled until softened and then bit, creating a (rough) fit for your mouth.
Boil-and-bite guards might offer quick customization, but the lack of specialist fit can cause issues.
Moran explains the oversized design presents a “risk of damage to your jaw alignment over time.”
Alternatively, custom night guards are created to fit your mouth and your mouth alone.
These are prescribed by a physician and then crafted around your jaw and tongue.
Alternatively, surgery can be used to install upper airway stimulation devices.
It is normally considered a last resort for the most severe cases of sleep apnea.
Laser therapies
Laser therapy is a relatively new treatment option for sleep apnea.
“NightLase laser treatments are an FDA approved non-invasive option,” explains Dr. Perry.
However, she also describes NightLase as a therapy “you might not be very familiar with”.
The lack of widespread recognition means this can be a harder treatment to access.
Medicine
There is no ‘sleep apnea pill’, but certain medications can help limit symptoms.
For example, if allergies are making your sleep apnea worse, you might be prescribed an anti-allergen.
Research is also being conducted into the effects ofepilepsy drugs on sleep apnea.
However, further studies are required before this becomes a widely available treatment.
And as these medications come with side effects, they won’t be the right solution for everyone.
“Natural solutions like breathing exercises, changing your sleep position, or tweaking your diet?
You dont need a diagnosis for that.
These devices are strapped to the body and have an uncomfortable object at the back.
if you start rolling onto your back in the night, the equipment will wake you up.
Positional therapy is often used alongside other treatments.
Weight loss
Studieshave shown that weight gain is closely linked to sleep apnea.
Mouth / breathing exercises
Mouth and breathing exercises work to build up the muscles in the airway.
“These approaches are less flashy and actually require daily work and commitment.”
As with many lifestyle changes, breathing exercises often work best when stacked with other treatments.
These treatments are used alongside other therapies.
What happens if sleep apnea is left untreated?
Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s important that you access treatment to manage the condition.
Further,researchhas found a connection between sleep apnea and pop in 2 diabetes.
