Typically the best treatment for severe sleep apnea is C.P.A.P. (continuous positive airway pressure). For patients suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea, our Surrey dentist may suggest other treatment options that could help to relieve your symptoms.
CPAP is generally the first and most effective treatment option for patients suffering from substantial or severe sleep apnea.
However, there are a few other treatment options that may help to lessen your symptoms if you have been diagnosed with mild obstructive sleep apnea.
Consult with your doctor before making lifestyle changes, only a medical professional can diagnose sleep apnea.
Lifestyle Changes
There are a number of lifestyle changes you might consider trying to help treat, or even prevent, your symptoms of mild sleep apnea.
Lifestyle changes may not work for everyone, but if your goal is a good night's sleep these changes may be helpful.
Weight Loss
Losing weight can be very effective in relieving sleep apnea symptoms. Studies have shown that losing just 10% of body weight may help to reduce sleep apnea symptoms by as much as a 30%.
People carrying extra weight often have extra tissue around their airway. Shrinking this excess tissue through overall weight loss may allow air to flow more freely to the lungs.
Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives
Alcohol and sedatives may cause the throat muscles to relax, in turn causing the airway to become obstructed. Symptoms of sleep apnea may be reduced by avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed.
Avoid Sleeping On Your Back
People who sleep on their back are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. When you sleep on your back, gravity pulls on the tissues at the back of your throat potentially causing your airway to narrow or even collapse.
To help improve the quality of your sleep, try training yourself to sleep on your side instead of your back. One way to prevent yourself from rolling onto your back is to prop pillows up against your back while you lie on your side. Another idea is to try placing a tennis ball in your back pyjama pocket when you go to bed.
Dental Appliances
Dental appliances can also help lesson the symptoms of mild sleep apnea. To find the right appliance for you, see to your dentist.
Your dentist can adjust your dental appliance to fit the exact shape and size of your mouth. These appliances are comfortable to wear when properly fitted. They help to reduce your sleep apnea symptoms by holding your tongue and jaw forward, preventing them from slipping backwards and obstructing your airway.
Your appliance can't work if you don't to wear it, so it's important that your dental appliance is comfortable enough for you to wear every night. If your dental appliance is causing you discomfort speak to your dentist.
If you're interested in finding out more about dental appliances for sleep apnea, make an appointment to see your dentist.