Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that stops or interferes with breathing while sleeping. The condition can be classified as obstructive apnea (where airway blockage occurs) and central apnea (where the brain cannot correctly control breathing). Around 5% to 10% of people globally are affected by this condition. However, by following the correct treatment options, one can keep the condition’s symptoms at bay. Read on to learn the various options to manage sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when muscles supporting the soft tissues in your throat relax temporarily, leading to narrowing of the airway and breathing troubles. Some common sleep apnea symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air while sleeping, waking up with a dry mouth, or a morning headache.

Machines
Certain machines are available to treat this condition, which can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and stroke. A few such machines are detailed below.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
It is one of the most popular methods for treating sleep apnea. With CPAP, you must wear a mask over the mouth or nose while sleeping. The machine ensures continuous air circulation into the nose through the mask. This way, the throat remains open, making breathing easy and convenient.

APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure)
If CPAP cannot solve the problem, the healthcare provider may suggest APAP. With this option, one can adjust the pressure according to one’s specific needs.

BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure)
BiPAP is similar to CPAP, but only some people benefit from it. It is suitable for individuals suffering from COPD. If a person finds breathing or staying conscious difficult while using this device, consult a doctor to change the treatment.

Oral appliances
Dentists experienced in treating sleep apnea may be able to design oral appliances to manage the condition. These devices help keep the airways open when asleep, support the lower jaw, and hold the tongue in place.

Nerve stimulators
The movements of the tongue are controlled by the hypoglossal nerve (the nerve that innervates the tongue muscles). A nerve stimulator is attached to this nerve to treat this condition.

Surgery
Surgery is suggested when machines and oral devices do not help. Some common surgical procedures recommended for managing sleep apnea are listed below.

• Nasal surgery- Nasal surgery helps treat and manage nasal conditions such as a deviated septum.
• UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty)– Here, the soft tissue from the back of the throat and palate is removed. It helps make the airway broader at the throat opening.
• MMA (Maxillomandibular advancement surgery)- This surgery helps treat various throat blockages or facial problems that could be responsible for sleep apnea.
• Somnoplasty- Radiofrequency (RF) used in this method reduces the soft tissue surrounding the windpipe’s upper parts.

Lifestyle changes
Certain home remedies and lifestyle changes would help cure sleep apnea. These are-

Changing in sleeping position
Sleep apnea is more likely to occur when you sleep on your back. Special support pillows are available that could help in changing the sleep position. These will help you sleep in positions other than your back to make breathing easier.

Maintaining a healthy body mass
If you have a few extra pounds, the excess tissue in the throat makes breathing challenging. Decreasing body mass to about 10% and maintaining it will help manage the disease.

Treating nasal allergies
It has been found that nasal allergies make the tissues inflamed in the airways, causing them to become narrower, in turn making it challenging to breathe. Consult a healthcare provider for the proper diagnosis and treatment of allergies.

Treating certain health conditions
Sleep apnea could be improved by treating specific conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Home remedies
Certain home remedies, such as relaxing and rejuvenating with the scent of lavender and having magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, avocados, kale, spinach, and others, could be helpful.

Self-care
By adding some self-care measures, a person can keep sleep apnea and its symptoms at bay. They include-

• Using a humidifier- A humidifier could be the best option if treatments like CPAP have not provided you with any relief.
• Mouth exercises- It has been found that mouth exercises help improve daytime sleepiness, oxygen intake, snoring, sleep quality, and other sleep apnea symptoms.
• Yoga and meditation- Certain relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, may help reduce factors that interfere with sleep.
• Sleep hygiene- Practicing good sleep habits and hygiene is also suggested to battle sleep apnea effectively.
• Consulting a healthcare provider- Consult the healthcare provider regularly and check for sleep apnea symptoms.

Sleep apnea, if left untreated, can lead to severe health risks, including heart failure. Following the appropriate treatment options to keep this condition in check will help improve mood and reduce snoring. It also reduces the risk of complications such as heart disease and diabetes. Always watch out for the symptoms and consult the healthcare provider for the correct diagnosis and treatment.