Getting enough sleep comes with various benefits to both mental and physical health. In most cases, how you feel during the day depends on what happens while sleeping. Sleeping disorders like sleep apnea is one of the conditions that pose a risk for chronic health issues. If you experience loud snoring that makes you feel tired all day, you need to learn how to treat it. This article talks about three simple steps for treating sleep apnea. But first, let’s define sleep apnea, what is sleep, apnea?
It is a sleep disorder whereby interruption of breathing happens during sleep. The destruction usually lasts for about ten seconds or more. There are three types of sleep apnea. They are:
- The obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs when the throat muscles fail to keep the airway open.
- Central sleep apnea. This condition usually occurs when the brain fails to send the right signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea, also known as the treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, occurs when someone is experiencing central and obstructive sleep apnea.
You can follow the following three steps to treat sleep apnea.
Surgery
Surgery is one of the proven ways of treating sleep apnea. However, you need to understand that this method of treatment is less suitable for obstructive sleep apnea. One of the main challenges surgeons face when performing this kind of treatment is determining the airway responsible for the obstruction. Before the surgery occurs, the specialist has to know the part that needs modification. Failure to fix the problem with the airway, it is not possible for the condition to diminish. Surgeons use various types of operations to treat this issue.
The most popular one is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. There is a chance of about 50% on the success of this method. You will realize that children who suffer from sleep apnea have enlarged adenoids or tonsils. Some kids have both of these conditions. You can cure sleep apnea in children by merely removing these tissues. Removal of adenoids and tonsil tissues is one of the most effective ways of treating breathing problems in children.
Oral Appliances
In the recent past, the use of oral appliances in treating sleep apnea has gained popularity. The establishment of awareness among the public on the effectiveness of this method of treatment explains this popularity. For this reason, several countries are now approving its use on victims.
These devices work by putting one in the mouth of the patient, similar to an orthodontic device. These appliances hold the lower jaw to help keep the airway open. This process helps prevent the tongue and upper airway muscles from blocking or collapsing on the airway.
If you find yourself suffering from sleep apnea, you don’t have to stress where to find a suitable oral appliance. You can start by browsing the internet to find a helpful website that will give you a guideline on where to find one, and how to best use it for a successful treatment. Oral appliances are useful for patients with mild and severe sleep apnea. For those individuals who find it hard to wear these devices, you can opt for therapy combined with these appliances to lower any possible pressure on the device. It makes it more comfortable for you to use.
Lifestyle Changes
Realizing that you have sleep apnea can be scary to many people. The situation gets worse when you think of all the clinical treatments you have to go through. It can also be stressful thinking of the cost of treatment, especially when you can’t afford the medical expenses. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to treat sleep apnea without the need to visit a doctor. It is vital to note that these lifestyle changes can only treat mild sleep apnea and not severe ones. Below are some of the sleep apnea lifestyle remedies that can help curb the condition.
- Weight Loss. Losing the extra tissue at the back of the throat helps open the airway.
- Stop smoking as it increases fluid retention and inflammation in the airway.
- Exercising is also another way to help lose weight and improve the quality of sleep.
- Avoiding alcohol before bedtime as it relaxes the throat muscles, which disrupts breathing.
- Singing is also another excellent way to treat sleep apnea as it enhances control in the throat muscles, reducing snoring.
Snoring is the primary symptom of sleep apnea. If you are experiencing it and suspecting the condition, you must first try the various home remedies. If the disease is moderate or severe and the lifestyle changes don’t seem to work for you, you must seek professional help.
Photo by Damir Spanic on Unsplash
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