How is Sleep Apnea Usually Treated?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that upsets the sleep of over ten million Americans. It shows itself in many different symptoms, including loud snoring, morning headaches, and consistent tiredness due to loss of sleep. It is caused by the muscles in the back of the throat that support the soft palate, the uvula, the tonsils, and the tongue becoming relaxed enough to block the airways. Fortunately, there are several ways an expert in sleep apnea in Northridge can treat the disorder.

There are several tactics you can try at home, most of which involve simply changing certain habits. If you normally sleep on you back, you can try sleeping on your stomach. This can prevent the back of your throat from relaxing in an obstructive way. Keeping your nasal passages open at night by using nasal decongestants or a saline solution can also be very helpful. Exercising and loosing excess weight may eliminate some constriction of the throat. Those suffering from the disorder should refrain from alcohol, sleeping medications, and smoking.

Our dentist in Northridge can provide one or more treatments after an assessment. Many patients experience success from wearing mouth guards while sleeping. These mouth guards work to push forward the jaw and/or tongue so as to keep the airways open. If this does not work, a CPAP machine is a more powerful tool, which not only holds the airways open, but supplies a constant stream of air throughout the night. In some extreme cases, surgery may be required.