Sleep Apnea Cure

Since the causes of sleep apnea can be attributed to several underlying causes, finding the appropriate sleep apnea cure depends solely on proper diagnosis of the problem. Since many cases of sleep apnea are the direct result of a larger, more global problem most of the time directly addressing those problems will lead to the gradual decline and even full disposal of all sleep apnea symptoms for many sufferers. In short, sleep apnea is generally a secondary condition that is best treated by focusing on the root source of the problem as opposed to the apnea condition itself; however this is certainly not always the case.

Since the vast majority of adult sleep apnea sufferers are overweight and even obese, physicians will often prescribe that their patients make strong, diligent efforts to lead healthier lifestyles that will make them lose weight. Many overweight sleep apnea sufferers have obstructive sleep apnea from the lack of muscle tone in their neck muscles and an overabundance of fat surrounding the areas. The excess weight presses down on the throat lining while the sufferer is at rest, causing the airway to become blocked periodically throughout the night. These patients almost always report positive results from losing their excess weight.

Like obesity, if the sleep apnea is a result of drug or alcohol causing the throat muscles to relax and ultimately become blocked during sleeping periods, physicians will most likely persuade the patient alter their doses or cut them out altogether. If the sufferer is a smoker, quitting or even reducing the amount of cigarettes smoked during the day can often have positive effects.

Mechanical medical devices that are often prescribed for sleep apnea vary as much as the conditions they treat. One of the more popular treatment devices is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The CPAP is administered using an oxygen mask that covers the nose and mouth of the patient while they are asleep and provides a regulated amount of oxygen that, in turn, helps regulate breathing and normal internal oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. The bilevel positive airway pressure (bilevel PAP) also supplies oxygen to the sleep apnea patient but does so at pressurized intervals that are regulated by the inhalation periods of the patient. Many bilevel PAP devices can be regulated to supply a small burst of oxygen should it sense that the sufferer has not taken a breath in a set amount of time. Finally, a newer device that is known as an effective sleep apnea cure is the adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV). The ASV not only supply oxygen, but does so at a personalized rate based on its assessment of the patient’s breathing habits.