Treatment for Sleep Apnea
How often have you heard the saying “sleep when you’re dead”? There is nothing normal or healthy about sacrificing sleep to achieve success. Getting sufficient sleep is vital for our health and well-being. When it comes to our health, sleep is as important as eating well and exercising regularly.
For some people, having a good nights’ sleep might seem impossible. Sleep problems are extremely common making it difficult to get a full night’s rest. One such sleep disorder that causes a person to become extremely tired during the day as a result of loud snoring at night is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a fairly common sleep disorder whereby a person’s breathing continuously stops and starts whilst sleeping.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options:
You are at higher risk of developing sleep apnea if you are:
– Male and overweight
– Over the age of 50, a smoker and high blood pressure
– Someone with a neck circumference of more than 40cm’s
A few other physical characteristics that put you at risk include a deviated septum, receding chin, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Allergies resulting in nasal congestion could also lead to sleep apnea.
Sleep Study / CPAP device:
To properly diagnose sleep apnea, one of the most common methods used is a sleep study. The study monitors various sleep functions such as heart rate, airflow, blood oxygen levels, sleep state, and muscle movement to understand the severity of the sleep apnea being experienced.
In most cases, treatment can start during the first night at the sleep center. One of the most effective methods of treatment is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP). CPAP is a mask that fits over the nose and mouth and lightly blows air into the airway to help keep it open during sleep, preventing apnea and snoring.
Patients might need to try several different types of masks to find one that is comfortable. It is important to check in with your doctor to see what changes can be made to increase comfort levels.
Airway Pressure devices:
Various other airway pressure devices can be used if a CPAP device becomes problematic. Many patients have success with an airway pressure device that automatically adjusts the pressure while sleeping (AUTO CPAP) or units that supply bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP) which provides pressure when you inhale.
Oral devices:
As an alternative to the CPAP device, oral appliances can be used. These are designed to keep the throat open by bringing the jaw forward which can alleviate snoring and mild sleep apnea. These devices are available from your local dentist, you just might need to try out a few different devices before finding one that fits and works best for you.
Supplemental Oxygen Therapy:
Using additional oxygen while sleeping could help patients who are diagnosed with central sleep apnea. There are numerous forms of oxygen available with devices to deliver oxygen to your lungs.
Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV):
This high-tech device is one of the latest developments in sleep apnea. Studying your breathing patterns, the device then stores that information in its built-in computer. Once you have fallen asleep the machine will then normalize your breathing by using pressure to prevent any pauses.
Surgery options for Sleep Apnea:
Surgery is usually only recommended when all other treatments have been unsuccessful.
It is a rule a thumb to allow a three-month trial period per treatment option before surgery is considered. However, for some patients with certain jaw structure problems, it is a great option.
The following surgical procedures can be considered:
Tissue removal – tissue is removed from the back of your mouth and the top of your throat together with removing tonsils and adenoids. This surgery is effective in preventing throat structures from vibrating which leads to snoring.
Tissue shrinkage – Using radiofrequency ablation, it is possible to shrink the tissue at the back of the mouth and throat. Used for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Jaw repositioning – The jaw is moved forward from your facial bones, enlarging the space behind the palate and the tongue allowing for air to flow more easily.
Implants – soft rods, usually made of polyester or plastic which get surgically implanted into the soft palate.
Nerve stimulation – a stimulator is inserted into the nerve that controls the tongue movement. This will help keep the tongue in a position that keeps the airway open.
Tracheostomy – Only required for patients with severe cases of sleep apnea. An opening in the neck is made and a tube is inserted for the patient to breathe through. The opening is kept covered during the day and only opened up at night to allow air to pass in and out of the lungs, bypassing the blockage in the throat.
Removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids – common in children with sleep apnea
Weight-loss surgery – only an option when natural, lifestyle changes are not possible
Although serious, sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects many people. Many treatments can assist relieving and preventing even the most serious sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor about the different options available so that you can get back to sleeping well and feeling great again.