How to Deal with Sleep Apnea – Symptoms & Treatment Options
Sleep disorders can affect your sleep and your everyday life. They can increase your susceptibility to other health issues and also affect your productivity during the day. A common type of such disorder is sleep apnea. It affects many people in the world, and there are various ways to deal with the issue. However, the first step to dealing with sleep apnea is a diagnosis, and you should have it done before starting any treatment.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Snoring is very common among sleep apnea patients. However, with treatment, you can be able to get a more peaceful sleep. Other common symptoms include gasping for breath during sleep, morning headaches, and dry mouth. Insomnia is also common; it’s associated with difficulties in staying asleep, fatigue, and irritability.
The available sleep apnea treatment options are;
- Evaluation & Treatment
Your doctor will make an evaluation based on the symptoms and sleep history. It involves monitoring your breathing during sleep and other body functions. He or she may try different treatments to determine the best one for your case.
For mild cases of sleep apnea, the professional may recommend lifestyle changes. These are, for example, weight loss or quitting smoking. If these don’t work, other therapies and devices can help open up your blocked airway.
- Therapies
There are also various remedies used in the treatment of sleep apnea. These include;
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
This is beneficial to patients suffering dorm moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea. It uses a machine that delivers air pressure via a mask as you sleep. The pressure is sufficient to open up your upper airway passages and prevent snoring.
Most people find it uncomfortable. With continued use, you can learn to modify the straps on the mask for a more comfortable fit. If seeking other safe alternatives to CPAP, visit sleepapneazone.com. You’ll get helpful information, product reviews, and tips on how to manage your condition.
- Oral appliances
There are oral appliances that you can wear to keep your throat open. They are easier to use but less effective compared to CPAP. Some help relieve snoring and obstructions by opening up your throat and you can get them form you dentist.
- Treatment for other medical treatments
Sleep apnea is associated with heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Treating these conditions is also critical in the management of sleep apnea. Supplemental oxygen can also be of help. It comes with devices to transport oxygen to your lungs.
- Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)
This is an airflow device that uses pressure to regulate your breathing patterns as you sleep. It studies your breathing patterns and records the information in an in-built computer. It prevents pauses in your breathing and is more efficient compared to other forms of positive airway pressure.
Final thoughts
All sleep disorders ought to be taken seriously. Pay attention to any symptoms of sleep disorders and seek help from your doctor promptly. Also, set a regular sleep schedule, avoid distractions, and exercise more for more peaceful night sleep.
