Most sleep disorders can be successfully treated after an accurate diagnosis is made. Depending on a patient’s condition and particular needs, treatment options may include:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) – A nasal or oral mask that fits comfortably over the nose and mouth, CPAP infuses a constant, steady supply of air pressure through the nose to the lungs. It keeps the upper airway open which eliminates the breathing pauses caused by sleep apnea so you will no longer snore or make choking noises in your sleep. You will be able to sleep through the night without your body waking up from a lack of oxygen. This device is used to treat most individuals with sleep apnea.
Medication – Often used in conjunction with other therapies, short- and long-term medications that are always prescribed under the close supervision of a doctor are highly effective in treating some sleep disorders.
Dental oral appliances – Devices such as splints and mandibular advancement devices, similar in appearance to mouth guards used by athletes, open the jaw and allow air to move freely in and out of the windpipe.
Behavioral therapy – Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, self-hypnosis, and light exercise often help to reduce stress and promote relaxation for a natural sleep.
Diet modification – Changes in a diet, such as reducing or eliminating stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and avoiding heavy or spicy meals late in the day, make it easier to sleep.
Surgery – When other treatment options fail, surgery may be needed to correct a sleep disorder. Surgical choices include removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids, removal of excessive tissue in the throat to make it wider, repair of bone and tissue abnormalities in the mouth and throat, and bariatric surgery to facilitate weight loss.
Respiratory muscle stimulation – This consists of a breathing sensor and a stimulation lead, powered by a small battery. Implanted during a short, outpatient procedure, this stimulation continuously monitors your breathing while you sleep. The system mildly stimulates key airway muscles, and gently moves the tongue and other soft tissues out of the airway so you can breathe during sleep.
Once you have started a treatment, we will work closely together to remotely monitor the effectiveness of the therapy. This will consist of our respiratory therapist monitoring your hours of use and the number of sleep apnea events, follow-up phone calls, and follow-up physician visits. We will need to communicate with each other to achieve the best results for you.
Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about AHN sleep medicine services.
