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Understanding Sleep Apnea
Submitted by:
jamila
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder which is characterized by interruptions in breathing for brief periods during sleep. It is a serious sleep disorder that can cause noticeable health problems and can possibly be life-threatening. Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common types of this sleep problem.
The most common and effective sleep apnea treatment is Continuous Positive Active Pressure (CPAP) therapy. The breathing of an apnea patient is assisted by a device which includes a mask that is worn by the patient. CPAP therapy is recommended for moderate to severe cases of this sleep disorder.
Due to the discomfort of CPAP therapy, alternative treatments may be prescribed, instead, for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. Alternative treatments can be recommended in moderate to severe cases where CPAP therapy cannot be tolerated by individual apnea patients,
CPAP alternatives for sleep apnea treatment can be organized into the follow types:
Behavior or Self-Help therapy involves the active participation of patients in their own treatment by introducing changes to their habits or lifestyles. This treatment is recommended for mild to moderate apnea. Examples include:
· Losing weight through diet or exercise
· Avoiding smoking, alcohol, sedatives, and caffeine
· Maintaining regular sleeping schedules
· Sleeping on your side and avoiding sleeping on your back
· Elevating the head of the bed
· Performing breathing exercises
· Indulging in activites that strengthen throat muscles, such as singing
Homeopathy is an alternative therapy that uses alternative health remedies such as herbal medicines or acupuncture to help relieve sleep apnea. This is recommended for mild to moderate cases of this condition.
Oral or Dental Appliances or Devices alleviate apnea by physically restraining the jaw or tounge and keeping breathing airways open. This treatment is recommended for moderate to severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea.
Surgery is an alternative treatment for moderate to severe cases where patients cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. In addition, CPAP therapy can also be made tolerable for the patient via surgery.
