Once a person talks with a physician and is referred for a sleep study, a polysomnogram is taken of the patient's sleep behaviors. If Sleep Apnea is diagnosed, there are a variety of treatments.

The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device (CPAP). CPAP is a mask that fits over the nose and/or mouth, and gently blows air into the airway to help keep it open during sleep. This method of treatment is highly effective. Using the CPAP as recommended by your doctor is very important.

Second-line methods of treating sleep apnea include dental appliances, which reposition the lower jaw and tongue, and upper airway surgery to remove tissue in the airway. In general, these approaches are most helpful for mild disease or heavy snoring.

Lifestyle changes are effective ways of mitigating symptoms of sleep apnea. Here are some tips that may help reduce apnea severity:

• Lose weight. If you are overweight, this is the most important action you can take to cure your sleep apnea .
• Avoid alcohol; it causes frequent nighttime awakenings, and makes the upper airway breathing muscles relax.
  
• Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking worsens swelling in the upper airway, making apnea (and snoring) worse.
  
• Some patients with mild sleep apnea or heavy snoring have fewer breathing problems when they are lying on their sides instead of their backs.
  

Other Treatment Methods:

• Medication
• Weight Loss
• Change in Sleep Behavior Position
• Surgery