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In the long-term, untreated sleep apnea can have serious health impacts.
But can you cure sleep apnea?
We asked the experts.
Leah Kaylor, sleep and trauma specialist.
In this guide, we’ll explore what obstructive sleep apnea is and why it can’t be cured.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) is a common sleep disorder thought toaffect up to 936 million people worldwide.
Sleep apnea is characterized by intermittent breathing during sleep, which causes you to wake during the night.
“During sleep, the muscles in the throat relax,” explains Dr. Kaylor.
In this guide we’re primarily focusing on obstructive sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is another form of sleep apnea (albeit less common.)
This takes place if the brain doesn’t stimulate breathing as you sleep.
We’ll touch on central sleep apnea at the end of this guide.
Dr. Leah Kaylor is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in trauma and sleep at the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Her latest book about sleep is due to be published this year.
Can you cure obstructive sleep apnea?
However, there is no cure for sleep apnea.
So why can’t sleep apnea be cured?
“These underlying causes can be hard to reverse completely.”
Sleep apnea treatments, including lifestyle changes, can significantly lessen obstructive sleep apnea.
But as Dr. Perry explains, the underlying causes of sleep apnea means it might never be eliminated.
But it’s not all bad news.
And this is a continuously developing field, with treatments such as the firstFDA-approved sleep apnea medicationrepresenting new breakthroughs.
Both Dr. Perry and Dr. Kaylor are positive about the effectiveness of sleep apnea treatments.
Dr. Chelsea Perry is the founder/owner of Sleep Solutions in Westborough Massachusetts.
At Sleep Solutions she has a focus on treating sleep apnea and snoring.
Check out our guide tosleep apnea treatmentsfor a detailed breakdown in.
For now, here is a brief overview.
OSA is categorized by severity, and mild sleep apnea can often be minimized through lifestyle changes.
Common treatments for moderate OSA includemouthguards for sleep apneaandCPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines.
“Severe OSA requires aggressive intervention to manage significant health risks,” says Dr. Kaylor.
Can CPAP machines cure sleep apnea?
CPAP machines are considered the gold standard of sleep apnea treatment.
“This is what most people imagine when we discuss sleep apnea,” notes Dr. Kaylor.
The pressurized air keeps the airway open and prevents it from collapsing during sleep."
And CPAP machines aren’t only popular, they’re effective.
Can you cure sleep apnea at home?
Your doctor can help you find the right course of action for you and your sleep.
With that said, there are things you’re free to do at home to lessen sleep apnea.
(These treatments are best suited to mild sleep apnea.)
However, both Dr. Perry and Dr. Kaylor strongly recommend consulting a healthcare provider first.
Can sleep apnea come back?
Treatment and lifestyle changes can significantly lessen the impact of sleep apnea.
“Your sleep apnea can definitely come back or worsen.
Aging can also cause sleep apnea to return or increase in severity.
Can you cure central sleep apnea?
Central sleep apnea is a less common form of sleep apnea.
“You cannot cure Central Sleep Apnea,” explains Dr. Perry.
“CSA stems from issues in how the brain regulates breathing.
There’s no outright cure but you’re able to lessen the impact with proper treatment.”
CPAP and BiPAP machines are both used to treat central sleep apnea.
