Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

November 1, 2020

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by shortness of breath during sleep. To prevent further complications, you should seek treatment early.

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and stops while you are asleep. The potentially serious sleep disorder can be characterized by loud snoring even when taking a nap.

There are three types of sleep apnea, which includes:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea, which is brought about by blockage of the upper airway
  • Central sleep apnea that occurs when your brain does not send signals to the muscles that control breathing
  • Complex or mixed sleep apnea that is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea

Among the three types of sleep apneas, the obstructive one is the most common. The sleeping condition can cause conditions such as heart problems. Therefore, you should seek medical help if you suspect you have sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Some of the signs you have sleep apnea include:

  • Shortness of breath while sleeping
  • Snoring loudly
  • Gasping for air and body jerking during sleep
  • Waking up with a dry mouth
  • Migraines and headaches in the morning
  • Excessive sleepiness during the day
  • Insomnia
  • Difficulties paying attention during the day
  • Irritability

Who Gets Sleep Apnea?

Everybody can get sleep apnea. However, some risk factors increase your chances of getting sleep apnea. Below are some of the risk factors:

  • Obesity. If you are overweight, you are likely to develop sleep apnea since fat deposits around your upper highway can block your throat.
  • Nasal congestion. When your nose is blocked, the flow of air in and out of the lung is affected, causing breathing difficulties.
  • Neck circumference. People with wide necks tend to have narrow airways, causing apneas while sleeping.
  • Gender. Although all genders can develop sleep apnea, males are more susceptible than females.
  • Age. Older people are more likely to develop sleep apnea than younger ones.
  • Smokers. Smoking can cause inflammation and fluid retention on the throat, putting you at a high risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.

Effects of Sleep Apnea

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to complications such as:

  • Memory loss and lack of concentration
  • Adult asthma
  • Heart problems
  • Breathing disorders
  • Acid reflux
  • Fatigue
  • Low blood oxygen levels
  • Abnormal blood cholesterol levels


Your doctor can evaluate sleep apnea based on your symptoms and sleeping patterns. Since you might not be able to explain the symptoms, the doctor can ask your family member or roommate about your signs.

Alternatively, the doctor can confirm the signs of sleep apnea using equipment that monitors your heart rate, breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, limb movements, and brain activity. The procedure is known as polysomnography and can be done in the doctor’s office or at home.


For severe cases of sleep apnea, your doctor can recommend therapies, and in some cases, surgery. Some of the therapies for treating sleep apnea include:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

CPAP is a therapeutic option for treating sleep apnea that involves using a machine to deliver air pressure through a mask while you are asleep. With a CPAP, air pressure is greater than in the surrounding, thus keeping your airway open.

Oral Appliances

Do you have moderate sleep apnea and feel uncomfortable using a CPAP? Your doctor can recommend oral appliances that resemble a mouthguard to help keep your airway open during sleep.

Some of the oral appliances raise your palate to open the airway, while others keep your tongue from moving to the back of the mouth during sleep.

Supplemental Oxygen

If you have central sleep apnea, the doctor at Family Care Dentistry can recommend supplemental oxygen. The oxygen will help maintain your blood oxygen levels during apneas.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

If you have mild sleep apnea, we recommend you make lifestyles that will reduce the effects of sleep apnea. Some of the home remedies for sleep apnea include:

  • Weight loss. Losing weight helps relieve constrictions on your throat, thus reducing the chances of blocking your airway. However, the sleep condition can recur if you gain weight.
  • Exercise. Strength training and cardio exercise increase your heart rate and lung activity, reducing the chances of airway blockage.
  • Quit smoking. Since smoking encourages fluid retention and inflammation on the throat, quitting would help prevent sleep apnea.

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