Sleep Apnea treatment

Try CPAP mask for Sleep Apnea: Surgeries and medications have limited effect on curing sleep apnea. Some doctors recommend a continuous positive airway pressure (or CPAP) machine which costs between $700-$2000. CPAP therapy provides a constant airflow, which holds the airway open so that uninterrupted breathing is maintained during sleep. This eliminates Sleep Apneas and allows the patient to get a restful sleep. CPAP therapy is traditionally provided through a nasal mask that seals around the nose. However, more innovative, comfortable and better sealing options are beginning to emerge. For more information visit the site http://www.cpap.com/

Try therapy

Sleep therapists nowadays treat their patients with a brief form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy. Under this programme patients learn to rethink their notions about sleep, and also to change counter productive bedtime habits. Doctors working with this technique say most of their patients show improvements after about six weeks. For chronic insomniacs, this therapy worked better than muscle relaxation technique. 

CBT works well with those patients who have primary insomnia (where the insomnia has no underlying cause) and other complicated cases. During the therapy the therapist teaches a patient to retrain the part of the brain that controls our sleep-wake patterns. Part of this is to follow a regular routine of sleeping and waking up. It is more important to get up at the same time every morning if you want to have a good quality sleep. Doctors also advise insomniacs against taking naps in the afternoon as that interferes with a regular schedule. 

The therapist also helps the patient to understand what exactly helps them to fall asleep or what interferes with their sleep. The therapy also questions beliefs and notions regarding sleep that makes it difficult for the person to fall asleep, for instance you may be very rigid about the number of hours you need to sleep or about the room being at just the right temperature. 

Many insomniacs even have trouble napping, even though they are so tired and exhausted. In fact doctors now say that it is not just the small worries that keep some people awake. Insomniacs may also have a hyper aroused metabolism, which means that they have higher heart rates and body temperatures. That is why caffeine affects them so much more than other people. 

Get help: If none of the techniques work then you must consult a sleep specialist. If you live in the US then you can find a sleep center closest to your place by contacting the National Sleep Center. The address is National Sleep Foundation — at 1522 K Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, 20005, at (202) 347-3471, or on its Web site, sleepfoundation.org,

Get more information about Sleep Apnea in our Resources