Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops repeatedly and restarts automatically during sleep. This leads to low oxygen levels in the body. The victims also deal with poor-quality sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common kind of sleep apnea disorder. In it, the throat muscles relax, blocking the airway.
Overlooking it can lead to several health problems. It has led to untimely death for thousands of individuals. However, with timely intervention and proper treatment, it can be dealt with.
What can you expect in a sleep apnea clinic?
Sleep apnea is a severe health disorder that needs proper treatment. When you go to a sleep apnea clinic for the first time, you will undergo a detailed test. This often includes a sleep study, conducted either at home or in the lab. There are also breathing monitoring, oxygen level checks, and overnight studies of sleep cycles.
Based on the test results, the sleep specialist offers a custom treatment plan. The aim is to treat the symptoms, such as daytime fatigue or snoring. It also helps reduce risks such as cardiovascular problems and poor quality of life.
A reputed sleep apnea clinic has a team of physicians and respiratory therapists. There are also dentists, depending on what the sleep study reveals.
Primary treatment: PAP machines
The first and most effective treatment for people with obstructive sleep apnea is a Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) machine. The standard version is a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. This device delivers a steady stream of pressurized air through a mask, keeping the airways open during sleep. The airway remains protected from collapse, and the device prevents repeated breathing interruptions.
If CPAP is ineffective or uncomfortable, reputable clinics like https://drkhliment.com.sg offer alternatives such as an APAP or BiPAP machine. These devices adjust air pressure throughout the night according to breathing needs.
Alternative treatments: lifestyle adjustments and oral appliances
The PAP therapy is not comfortable or practical for everyone. Oral Appliance Therapy is effective for people who cannot tolerate wearing a mask or a machine during sleep. In Oral Appliance Therapy, patients use custom-fitted devices that shift the jaw and tongue forward, keeping the airway open during sleep. Lifestyle changes are also effective in combating sleep apnea. Some of them are:
- Adjustments in sleeping positions – In most people with sleep apnea, the condition worsens when they sleep on their backs. Sleeping on the side helps reduce airway collapse.
- Weight management – People with excessive weight often have the problem of airway narrowing. Losing weight can reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
- Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and sedatives – All these elements relax the throat muscles and can increase airway obstruction.
Wrapping it up
With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can successfully manage sleep apnea. When you get treated at a sleep clinic, you will get a customized solution to sleep apnea symptoms. However, it is necessary to maintain dietary and lifestyle changes, in addition to medications and treatments. This will bring you long-term relief from this menace.