Sleep apnea is the sudden and sometimes frequent cessation of breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea sufferers usually are not completely aware of their condition, but their spouse or partner is since their sleep is disturbed numerous times throughout the night. Sleep apnea sufferers start and stop breathing randomly during sleep, sometimes holding their breath for frighteningly long periods of time. There are numerous health risks associated with sleep apnea, the mild ones being irritability, fatigue, depression, memory loss and lack of concentration during the day. The more extreme risk is the increased possibility of sudden death by heart attack as the brain is being deprived of oxygen. The treatment of sleep apnea may depend on the cause.

Although it requires much effort on the part of the individual, lifestyle changes such as weight loss or quitting a smoking habit may be all the patient requires to alleviate sleep apnea that is caused by swelling in the throat. Sleeping on one’s side also enables more air to flow through the throat. Eliminating throat obstructions may reduce the start and stop breathing pattern.

Products that may offer relief from sleep apnea

There are various over-the-counter products that may offer relief from sleep apnea that is caused by nasal congestion. Saline drops are a simple salt water solution that reduce mucous in the nasal passage. Nasal strips, which are a thin plastic strip with adhesive, can be applied to the sides of the nose just above the nostrils. Nasal strips work to gently pull the nasal passage open in order to increase the airflow and alleviate breathing difficulties. Also, a dental device can be ordered to fit the jaw. The device pulls the lower jaw slightly forward and offers more space at the back of the throat.

If none of the lifestyle or non-invasive methods seem to be eliminating sleep apnea, it may be time to consult an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) to determine the cause and severity of the condition. Usually the doctor will order a sleep apnea test to be done at a sleep clinic. This test is easy and painless, and involves sleeping at the clinic while a monitor records any pauses in breathing, in addition to monitoring other body functions. The report is then sent to the ENT to be analyzed in order to diagnose the patient.

The ENT may recommend simply using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device at night, which delivers oxygen to the wearer through a mask while he sleeps. The device may take some time getting used to but is completely non-invasive and the results are immediate. Alternatively, the ENT may recommend throat or nasal surgery to remove or reduce obstruction such as a deviated septum. Recovery may take several weeks. Sometimes a blockage is removed but the sleep apnea persists, revealing to the doctor that the problem may actually be neurological- the brain itself is causing the sleep apnea- but this is rare if a physical obstruction is present.

Treating sleep apnea is vital to the health of the sufferer. The over-the-counter methods or lifestyle changes can be attempted, but if one does not see improvement, a doctor must be consulted. When sleep apnea treatment is successful the patient usually reports a great improvement in energy, mood, health, and overall outlook in life.