Sleep apnea is a very serious sleep disorder already affecting millions of people worldwide – some officially diagnosed, some not. Characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during times of sleep, it can lead to poor sleep quality and a lot of other health issues, including cardiovascular problems, cognitive impairment, and daytime fatigue. Understanding what to do when experiencing sleep apnea is crucial in terms of managing the condition and improving overall well-being. If you live with this condition, aren’t sure if you are suffering from this, or know someone who is, keep reading to discover some innovative treatments that could help.
1. Recognize the Symptoms
The first step is recognizing its symptoms. Common signs include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes or irritability
If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.
2. Consult a Medical Professional
If sleep apnea is suspected, don’t just self-diagnose. Take these findings to a doctor or sleep specialist and consult them on the matter. They will likely recommend a sleep study (polysomnography), which can be conducted at a sleep clinic or at home, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition.
3. Understand the Types of Sleep Apnea
Treatment options depend on the type of sleep apnea diagnosed, and so once you start to have tests to determine the severity, it would benefit you to know what these could be. These are the possible types of sleep apnea you could be diagnosed with:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Caused by a physical blockage of the airway, often due to soft tissue collapse.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A combination of OSA and CSA.
4. What To Do Post Diagnosis
Once you have received a diagnosis from a professional, you can look into treatments that may work for you.
For mild cases, your doctor may first suggest making a few lifestyle changes. These include:
- Weight Loss: Reducing excess weight can alleviate pressure on the airway.
- Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: These relax throat muscles, increasing the risk of airway collapse.
- Sleep Positioning: Sleeping on your side rather than your back can reduce snoring and improve airflow.
- Regular Exercise: Improves respiratory strength and overall health.
For moderate to severe sleep apnea, medical interventions are often necessary. Common treatments include:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
CPAP machines deliver a steady stream of air through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep. While highly effective, some patients find it uncomfortable or challenging to use consistently.
- Oral Appliances
Custom-fitted dental devices reposition the jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway. However, the Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE) is the most innovative orthodontic device that can play a significant role in managing obstructive sleep apnea, particularly in cases caused by a narrow palate or maxilla. The MSE is a device anchored to the hard palate using mini-implants. It widens the upper jaw (maxilla) by gradually separating the mid-palatal suture, a process known as mid-palatal expansion. By increasing the width of the maxilla, the MSE helps expand the airway, reduce nasal resistance, and improve airflow during sleep. As the MSE Expander offers a non-invasive alternative to more complex surgeries, this is one of the best treatment options available.
Not everyone is a candidate for MSE. It is most effective in younger patients or adults with a modifiable mid-palatal suture. A thorough evaluation by an orthodontist or sleep specialist is necessary to determine suitability.
- Positional Therapy
For individuals whose sleep apnea is positional (worse when sleeping on their back), trying positional therapy can be an effective approach when you’ve struggled to do this on your own. This involves strategies or devices that encourage side sleeping, such as:
- Specialized pillows.
- Wearable devices that vibrate or provide feedback when sleeping on the back.
While simple, positional therapy is most suitable for mild cases or as an adjunct to other treatments.
- Surgery
For severe sleep apnea or cases where other treatments fail, it may be that surgery is necessary to address anatomical issues contributing to the condition. Common surgical procedures include:
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This removes excess tissue from the throat to widen the airway.
- Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): Repositions the upper and lower jaws to create more airway space.
- Tracheostomy: A last-resort option for life-threatening sleep apnea.
While effective, surgery often involves significant recovery time and should be carefully considered.
5. Monitor and Follow Up
Effective management of sleep apnea requires regular monitoring. Whether using CPAP, MSE, or another treatment, follow-up appointments ensure that the chosen therapy is working and that any adjustments can be made.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a manageable condition, but early intervention and the right treatment plan are key. Recognizing symptoms, consulting a specialist, and exploring innovative solutions like the MSE Expander can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health. If you suspect sleep apnea, take action today to reclaim restful nights and a healthier life.
