When you stop breathing periodically in your sleep, you may have a condition calledobstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
As the most common form of sleep apnea, this condition develops when air flow is constricted due to a narrowing of airways in your throat. This also causes snoring.
Such a situation sets you up for a lack of oxygen, which can have both short-term and long-term health consequences.
One traditional treatment method for OSA is continuous positive airway pressure therapy, better known as CPAP. This comes in the form of a machine and hoses that attach to a mask you wear at night. The goal is to ensure that your body gets enough oxygen while you sleep.
Still, CPAP machines aren’t foolproof, and some users may find the masks and hose attachments difficult to sleep with.
Traditional treatment for OSA can include one or more of the following options:
CPAP
Traditional CPAP therapy is one of the first-line treatments for OSA.
CPAP works by using air pressure via hoses attached between a machine and mask to help keep your airways open so that you keep breathing while you’re asleep.
This helps to ensure that you’re getting enough airflow during your sleep despite the underlying causes of blocked airways.
Lifestyle changes
Whether you choose CPAP therapy or surgery, lifestyle changes can complement your OSA treatment plan.
There’s a strong link between OSA and excess body weight. Some experts recommend losing weight to treat OSA if your body mass index (BMI) is 25 or higher. In fact, it’s possible for some people to cure OSA with weight loss alone.
Your doctor will also likely recommend the following:
- regular exercise
- quitting smoking
- avoiding the use sleeping pills and sedatives
- nasal decongestants, if needed
- a humidifier for your bedroom
- sleeping on your side
- avoiding alcohol
