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Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, which can lead to a range of health problems if left untreated. Diagnosing the condition accurately is crucial to determine the most suitable treatment. Let's explore the various treatment options for sleep apnea:

 

Non-Invasive Sleep Apnea Treatment Methods

 

Non- invasive treatment for sleep apnea refers to methods of managing or curing a medical condition without the need for surgery or other procedures that penetrate the skin. This type of Treatment typically includes:

1. CPAP Therapy

Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most prevalent and effective non-invasive treatment for sleep apnea. It involves using a CPAP machine, which delivers a continuous stream of pressurized air through a mask, keeping the airway open. This constant airflow prevents the throat from collapsing and allows for uninterrupted breathing during sleep. 

2. Oral Devices

Certain oral or dental devices are also used to treat sleep apnea, particularly in milder cases. Two common types of oral devices are:

  • Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD): MAD is designed to reposition the lower jaw slightly forward, which helps open the airway, making it easier to breathe.
  • Tongue Retaining Device: This device holds the tongue in a forward position, preventing it from obstructing the airway while sleeping. 

 

Invasive Treatment Methods for Sleep Apnea

 

Invasive treatment therapy involves medical procedures that enter the body, either by breaking the skin or by entering through a body cavity, this includes surgeries. Invasive therapies are often used for conditions that cannot be effectively treated by non-invasive methods.

Surgery:

Surgical intervention is typically considered in cases where structural issues within the throat or nose contribute to the blockage of the airway. Common conditions requiring surgery as a sleep apnea treatment  include:

  • Enlarged Tonsils: If the tonsils are excessively enlarged and obstructing the airway, they may need to be removed.
  • Deviated Septum: Surgery can correct a deviated septum, which can hinder airflow through the nose.

Various types of surgeries can be performed for sleep apnea Treatment: 

  • Nasal Surgery: This type of surgery focuses on improving nasal airflow.
  • Mandibular Advancement Surgery: It involves repositioning the jaw to create a more open airway.
  • UP3 (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty): UP3 surgery targets the removal of excess tissue from the throat to widen the airway.

 

Self-Help Sleep Apnea Treatment Methods

 

1. Alcohol and Medication Avoidance

Alcohol and certain medications like tranquilizers, sedatives, or sleeping pills can relax throat muscles, making it more difficult to breathe during sleep. Avoiding these substances can help mitigate sleep apnea symptoms. 

2. Smoking Cessation

Smoking can lead to inflammation and fluid retention in the throat and upper airway, contributing to sleep apnea. Quitting smoking can significantly improve the condition.

3. Maintaining a Proper Sleep Schedule

Consistency in sleep patterns and ensuring adequate sleep duration can reduce the frequency of sleep apnea episodes.

4. Weight Loss

Obesity is a risk factor for sleep apnea, and losing weight can be an effective treatment, especially in mild to moderate cases. A 10% reduction in body weight can lead to significant improvements by opening the throat and upper airway. 

5. Regular Exercise

Engaging in regular exercise can help with weight loss and improve overall sleep quality. Both resistance training and aerobic exercises can reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Additionally, certain yoga exercises can strengthen the muscles in the airway, promoting better breathing. 

Proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plans are essential for effectively managing sleep apnea. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and to determine the most appropriate Sleep Apnea treatment approach based on the severity of the condition and individual patient needs.

 

 

 Now you want to know more aspects of Sleep Apnea like: Myths about Sleep Apnea, Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea, and Home sleep Test

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Sleep Revitalizes your Mind, Body, & Heart

The body goes under many transformations, while it is in the state of rest during sleep. There are many essential functions that take place in the body such as tissue repair, memory and energy restoration, release of essential hormones, muscle relaxation, and others. While you are asleep, the brain releases indispensable hormones that promote tissue growth. This process helps your body rejuvenate from the daily hustle bustle. Moreover, tissue growth aids in the recovery from wounds or cuts. Sunita Kumar, Co-Director, Centre for Sleep Disorders, Loyola University Medical Centre, aptly remarks that during sleep the body produces more white blood cells, to fight countless bacteria and viruses1. The heart rate also registers a dip during sleep, which according to Ms. Kumar, strengthens the heart as it is at rest with lowered activity. Moreover, a good night’s sleep also reduces the chances of getting afflicted with heart diseases.

Good Sleep = Sharp Memory

Sleep is a time, when becomes sharp and strong. Sleep quantity and quality play a fundamental role in determining what one remembers and what one doesnt. Therefore, development of long-term memory (LTM) from short-term memory (STM) happens during sleep.  Scientific researches state that the brain follows a different mechanism for storing memories through the hippocampus and neo-cortex areas. Hippocampus helps you to remember your life experiences (childhood memories), while the neo-cortex is responsible for remembering the concepts you learn (name of a color). Communications and sync between the two, helps in learning new data and updating old ones.

Sleep Steers Hormonal Hunger

Sleep not only affects your energy levels and mental functions, but also regulates your body weight. Improper sleep is related to the increasing cases of obesity, worldwide2. Many hormones which regulate the feeling of hunger (ghrelin) and signal the feeling of being full (leptin), are all influenced by the quality of your sleep.  Leptin: This is also known as satiety hormone, which is produced by the fat cells of the body. It prevents overeating by sending signals to the brain that the body does not require more food, as there is enough to fuel the body.  Ghrelin: This hunger hormone is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, which signifies the body that there is need for food. This hormone rises in the body, when you feel hungry and decreases when you have consumed some food.  Studies show that people who have disrupted patterns of sleep - have larger appetite, because of higher ghrelin secretion and lowered secretion of leptin. This imbalance in the secretion of these hormones is a result of improper sleep patterns3.

Now that we have talked about why sleep is essential, in the next section - we will be discussing in detail some of the significant parameters, that define good or bad sleep.

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Reference

1

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/discomfort-15/better-sleep/healing-power-sleep?page=2

2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3619301/

3

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3619301/

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