How to Treat Sleep Apnea – A Guide
Many people live with Sleep Apnea for years and don’t even realize it. Sleep Apnea is a serious sleeping disorder where a person stops breathing for short intervals during sleep. They might stop breathing for up to 10 seconds hundreds of times a night.
If you wake up gasping or short of breath, or someone else notices you snorting, snoring or stopping breathing during sleep, you may be affected by sleep apnea. You’ll need to see a doctor or sleep specialist immediately for an accurate diagnosis.
Sleep apnea needs to be treated, as it can lead to more serious health problems. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment – it aims to keep the airway open by delivering a steady stream of air.
If you’re prescribed CPAP, you’ll be fitted with a special facemask, which will be attached via hosing to a CPAP machine. You’ll wear the mask while sleeping, and the machine will deliver a steady stream of air to keep your airways open.
As each mask is individually fitted, most people learn to sleep with the mask after a few weeks, and CPAP has a high success rate in curing moderate to severe sleep apnea. Some people cannot learn to sleep with the CPAP mask, and other treatment options are available.
Some people find that simply losing weight can help, as sleep apnea is often caused by excess weight on the airways. Others find positional sleep aids and dental devices that move the jaw forward can cure sleep apnea.
Whatever treatment option you choose, it’s important to treat sleep apnea as soon as possible. Treating sleep apnea can significantly improve your overall health – decreasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, memory loss and depression. You’ll find your memory and concentration improves and you won’t feel tired during the day. And, most importantly, you’ll finally get a good, restful night’s sleep.
For more information about sleeping problems and sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea you can visit the Insomnia and Sleep Guide.
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