Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, it’s very hard to diagnose. One of the main signs of sleep apnea is snoring, and when you stop breathing, you’re likely to suffer from sleep deprivation and loss of memory.
If you suspect that you may have a sleeping disorder, or if you’re currently experiencing sleep deprivation or loss of memory, then your doctor will often recommend some form of medical treatment. Among the most common forms of treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP.
Continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) is a type of nasal mask that a person puts on while sleeping, which forces a continual stream of pressurized air through the nose and into the throat, in order to keep the airways open. The pressurized air reduces obstructions to the throat and mouth, allowing the individual to breathe through their noses.
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy is one of the most successful forms of treatment for sleep apnea. It works well because it forces the airways to stay open, and since it stimulates the nerves in the throat and mouth, it helps prevent the brain from getting “refreshed out” from the physical exertion of breathing.
With continued treatment, CPAP has proven itself to be extremely effective in improving sleep apnea. You’ll also experience a decrease in snoring related symptoms, such as a dry throat and fatigue.
There are also nasal devices available, called CPAP masks. These devices force the nasal passages to remain open, thereby reducing the size of the airway by preventing a person from snoring.
Some people choose to wear nose plugs, which provide air-filled nostrils to help prevent sleep apnea. But these devices aren’t as effective as CPAP.
Still, many people do choose to take prescription sleep aids. Even with the variety of options available, however, there are still some things that you should consider before you try to use prescription drugs.
Before you try anything, first educate yourself about the different types of sleep apnea. Keep in mind that many people don’t even know they have it!
In fact, sleep apnea is an underdiagnosed condition. It affects all ages and people of all ages and walks of life. A doctor will often recommend sleep tests to confirm that a patient has the condition.
Once the physician has found the reason that the patient suffers from sleep apnea, the next step is to find out how to treat it. For those suffering from chronic, untreated sleep apnea, the easiest way to begin is to start using CPAP.
