Today, most of us do not get enough sleep due to various reasons. As per medical science, an adult should get at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep every day. Not having enough sleep can lead to various major health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, depression, and obesity. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder; it causes you to stop breathing for a short period while you are sleeping. Due to the shortage of oxygen in sleep apnea, people wake up in between, leading to a bad sleeping habit. Read on to know the popular treatment options for sleep apnea.

1. Positive airway pressure devices
Positive airway pressure machines are widely used in the treatment of both moderate and severe sleep apnea. This machine contains a mask snugly worn over the nose, mouth, or both if needed. During sleep, the positive airway pressure machine supplies pressurized air that flows continuously or intermittently into the sleeper’s throat. Thus, the increased air pressure from the devices prevents the sleeper’s airway from collapsing. The pressurized air is supplied with the help of a flexible tube. There are various types of positive airway pressure devices available; some of these include CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure), and VPAP (variable positive airway pressure).

2. Oral appliances
The use of oral appliances has been becoming one of the popular treatment options for sleep apnea. This is due to its effectiveness as the first-line treatment for sleep apnea. One needs to wear the oral appliances in the mouth during sleep, just like a sports mouthguard. The oral appliances are specifically designed to hold the lower jaw forward to keep the required airway open. Thus, it prevents the tongue and muscles in the upper airway from collapsing and blocking the airway. Sleep apnea treatment through oral appliance is non-invasive, effective, and fits easily into your lifestyle. Treatment through oral appliances is comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, portable, convenient for travel, and easy to care for.

3. Neuro-stimulation therapy
Positive airway pressure treatment sometimes does not work for long terms among people with the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. In such cases, doctors suggest neurostimulation therapy. Neurostimulation therapy is categorized into two types: hypoglossal neuro-stimulation therapy and neuro-stimulation therapy. Hypoglossal neuro-stimulation therapy is designed to treat patients with the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. On the other hand, central sleep apnea is treated through regular neuro-stimulation therapy.

4. Weight management program
Getting enrolled in a rigorous weight management program also helps in the elimination of sleep apnea symptoms. A weight loss program is apt for overweight and obese people. People with excessive weight often have thick necks with extra tissue in the throat that may block the airway. However, this approach may not be helpful for people with a narrow nasal passage or airway.

If you live with sleep apnea symptoms, these are some of the popular treatment options for sleep apnea.