Sleep Apnea

Althoughh, surgery may help some with airway obstruction which leads to sleep apnea; CPAP remains one of the most effective treatments provided. Then why are so many people not following their prescribed orders for CPAP? It is more than a shame, when a disorder which could result in death, and has a treatment which can help, is not followed.

Lifestyle changes (losing weight or quitting smoking) are recommended for mild forms of sleep apnea, but it may be necessary to use devices to open up an airway or to resort to surgery. This article describes the use of the CPAP machine and other devices.

Restless sleep, heavy irregular breathing, and tiredness during the day are the obvious symptoms of sleep apnea, but even excessive perspiring during sleep, severe bedwetting, and bad dreams (nightmares) can be related to this problem. The list of conditions that can be associated with sleep apnea is long and surprising.

Sleep apnea can lead to severe health problems if untreated, so it ishould not be ignored. Treatment for sleep apnea differs according to how severe the problem is. C.P.A.P. (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is achieved with a machine that blows pressurized room air to a mask through a flexible tube while you sleep. Another treatment features a dental device that is placed in your mouth at night that holds the lower jaw and tongue forward. A radio frequency procedure, and for severe breathing problems, surgery, are also possible treatments.

CPAP devices are the first treatment for people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and those who snore , because oxygen deprivation can lead to more serious problems.

                          To find out how playing the didgeridoo might be an alternative treatment for you, be sure to read this information  from an article in the Annals of Internal Medicine.  www.bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/332/7536/266