Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when breathing stops during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the result of an obstruction that stops air flow in the mouth and nose during sleep. Central sleep apnea is the result of a central nervous system disorder that prevents the transmission of brain signals telling the body to breath. Because there are different types of sleep apnea, there are several different treatments. The best sleep apnea treatment is usually different depending on the cause of the disorder.
Choosing the best sleep apnea treatment requires focusing on what is causing the condition. If the sleep disorder is caused by a deviated septum, for example, the best treatment will be different from sleep apnea caused by obesity. Generally, abnormal physical attributes such as large tonsils or a deviated septum are best treated with surgery, while most other causes are not good candidates for surgery.
For people with a mild form of the condition, the most appropriate sleep apnea treatment may be lifestyle changes that help the airways stay open at night. Sleep medications and alcohol can cause sleep apnea because they allow more relaxation of the throat and nasal passages, so eliminating these items before sleep may help. For people who are overweight or obese, losing weight may reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Allergy medication and nasal sprays can help keep the nasal passages open during sleep, as can sleeping on the side instead of the back.
Using a mouthpiece or other piece of equipment is often effective for people with sleep apnea. The mouthpiece is an orthodontist-made item which fits over the lower jaw and helps keep airways open. Another option is a continuous positive airway pressure device, or CPAP. This device gently blows a stream of air down the throat to ensure a continuous supply of oxygen. Many people with moderate or severe sleep apnea find that this sleep apnea treatment quickly reduces the exhaustion and other symptoms the condition can cause.
Severe sleep apnea can, in some cases, be treated with surgery. When the condition is caused by a physical abnormality such as large tonsils, for example, surgery is typically the best and most effective sleep apnea treatment. Surgery usually involves the removal or reshaping of excess tissue that is causing obstructive sleep apnea. This may include removal of tonsils or adenoids, reshaping of the jaw to enlarge the throat, or reconstructing a deviated septum.