Sleep apnea is a potentially fatal condition that is easily preventable when seeking the proper sleep apnea treatment. In more severe cases the process of finding a sleep apnea cure can become much more complicated. Without treatment conditions develop such as high blood pressure, stroke and increases in pulmonary pressures that could eventually lead to congestive heart failure. There are several sleep apnea treatments including natural remedies for sleep apnea, non-surgical treatments, and surgical treatments.

Non-Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatment
For those people with mild cases of sleep apnea the non-surgical sleep apnea treatments have proven to be highly successful.

  • Orthopedic Sleep Apnea Treatment Device

The best known sleep apnea device includes an orthopedic mouth guard. The orthopedic mouth guard is similar to the mouth guard used by sports players and functions in a similar way. By keeping the tongue and jaw out of the way of airflow, the orthopedic device works as a great temporary treatment for sleep apnea.  It has also been deemed one of the most affordable of all sleep apnea treatment options.

  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Moderate cases of sleep apnea are typically treated with sleep apnea treatment machines called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The drawback to these machines is they must be used as a permanent solution to the sleep apnea problem. Many people consider these machines uncomfortable and cannot go to sleep with them. There are several adjustments that can be made to make the sleep apnea equipment more comfortable.

  • Sleep Apnea Treatment Medication

When the more common and conventional sleep apnea treatments do not work there are other methods that use medication as the means for cure. Although sleep apnea was discovered over 40 years ago there are still few drug based treatments. Some of these medications include Theophyline which is used to treat asthma as well, Acetazolamide a multipurpose drug treating the underlying symptoms of sleep apnea, and the female hormone Progesterone. Ironically enough a stimulant similar to caffeine is used to help stop the episodes of apnea. When the sleep apnea cannot be cured completely drugs are used to treat the symptoms caused by no sleep. These drugs include stimulants, narcolepsy medicines, and in some cases weight loss medicines.

Home Treatment of Sleep Apnea
There have been studies done to determine the most effective home remedies for obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Some of the current favored home remedies include:

  • Weight Loss – Obesity or being overweight contributes enormously to sleep apnea making it one of the most common causes. Lowering you weight will make breathing much easier while asleep.
  • Eliminating Use of Alcohol or Drugs – Alcohol and drugs are known stimulants and should not be used by someone suffering from sleep apnea. Not using them can allow the body to relax and fall asleep more efficiently.
  • Creating a Proper Patter for Sleep – Many people are unaware of the importance of routine in sleep patterns. The body like most things must be trained to function at its peak ability. Sleeping on your Side – Side sleeping is a recommended way to regulate breathing while sleeping. This helps to clear the airways and provide better airflow throughout the body.
  • Discontinuing the use of Sedatives – Sedatives often have the opposite effect when putting someone to sleep. The chemicals in sedatives can sometimes force the body to become too tired causing problems when drifting off to sleep.
  • Quitting Smoking – Smoking is another common contributor to sleep apnea. The dangerous buildup of tar in the lungs and throat can cause serious problems breathing when asleep.

Sleep Apnea Surgery
Sleep Apnea surgery is typically used for severe cases where medications, home treatment of sleep apnea, and sleep apnea machines are not producing positive results. Today, there are a variety of sleep apnea surgeries to choose from however success rates are considered quite low. Sleep apnea surgery has only been known to help about 50% and those that do recognize a considerate difference have complained about sleep apnea coming back at a more severe level. There is a variety of surgical procedures that can help obstructive sleep apnea.

Some of the most common sleep apnea surgeries include:

  • Nasal Surgery – Nasal Sleep Apnea Surgery involves going into the nose to widen the breathing tube. Some may also have tissue removed that may be blocking their air pipe.
  • Genioglossus Advancement -This sleep apnea surgery is performed by moving the tongue so that airways are no longer blocked.
  • Tracheotomy – One of the most common sleep apnea surgeries, a tracheotomy is a procedure where a small incision is made in the neck to allow better airflow through the trachea.