Sleep Disorder Treatment Options and Solutions

If you think you may have a sleeping disorder, ask your family physician for a referral to The Sleep Center of Major Hospital.

treatment options include:

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
• Oral Appliances
• Behavioral Therapy
• Surgery

CPAP (Continous Positive Airway Pressure)

BiPaP (Bi-Level Contiuous Positive Airway)

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP. This therapy uses a mask placed over the nose during sleep. Gentle pressure from an air compressor which directs air through the nasal passages to keep the upper airway from collapsing and allows for more breathing.

Oral Appliances

Some sleep apnea patients benefit from using an appliance worn in the mouth during sleep. It is designed to bring the jaw, tongue and soft palate forward to keep the upper airway open.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral changes are an important part of the treatment program, and in mild cases of sleep apnea may be all that is required. Alcohol, tobacco and sleeping pills, which may make the airway more likely to close during sleep, should be avoided. Weight loss can be a very effective way of reducing the amount and severity of sleep apnea. In some people sleep apnea only occurs while sleeping on the back. Use of pillows and other devices often help people sleep on their side, which may be helpful.

Surgery

Physical structures that may interfere with normal breathing during sleep can sometimes be corrected surgically. Common procedures include removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids (especially in children), nasal polyps or other growths or tissues, and correction of deviated nasal septums. Additional surgical options include:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) removes excess tissues at the back of the throat including tonsils, uvula, and part of the soft palate.
  
• Laser Assisted Uvuloplasty (LAUP) uses a laser device to remove tissue in the back of the throat. LAUP has not been shown to be effective in treating sleep apnea, but is used to reduce or eliminate snoring.
  
• Tracheostomy is used in the most severe, life-threatening cases of sleep apnea. This procedure creates an external opening in the windpipe to enable air to flow directly into the lungs, bypassing any upper airway obstruction. This opening is plugged while the subject is awake, but is opened during sleep. Although highly effective, it is rarely used.
  
• Maxilomandibular Advancement is a surgical correction for deformities of the lower jaw.
  
• Surgical Treatment for Severe Obesity can be used for cases of severe sleep apnea in patients who are morbidly obese.