Sleep apnea affects millions of people worldwide. This health issue can be bothersome as it causes a person to wake up several times during the night and can lead to snoring or pauses in breathing.

The mild form can be easily treated through changes in lifestyle and sleeping habits. Medical experts say reducing weight, avoiding alcohol, smoking and sleeping pills are some of the ways to lessen the occurrence of sleep apnea. Additionally, changing one’s sleeping positions can help improve breathing. Sleeping on the back is not recommended.

For patients with suffering from chronic sleep apnea, a common treatment is the CPAP or the continuous positive airway pressure. This method makes use of a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth while sleeping. The mask is connected to a machine that provides continuous air flow to the nose.

Other treatments for this sleeping problem are the use of breathing devices, dental devices that help maintain an open airway and surgery in worse cases. Breathing tools include the bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) and adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV). The two basic oral tools are the mandibular repositioning and tongue retaining devices. Surgical procedures can be on the nasal area, the throat and palate and the face.
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Originally posted on December 12, 2012 @ 11:05 am