Sleep Apnea is a Sleep Disorder

Sleep disorders are problems with sleeping, including trouble falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at the wrong times, too much sleep, or abnormal behaviors during sleep.

Lifestyle changes

• For milder cases of obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes:
• Lose weight if you’re overweight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Drink alcohol moderately, if at all, and don’t drink several hours before bedtime.
• Quit smoking.
• Use a nasal decongestant.
• Don’t sleep on your back.

If these measures don’t improve your sleep or if your apnea is moderate to severe, then your doctor may recommend other treatments. Certain devices can help open up a blocked airway. In other cases, surgery may be necessary.

Therapies

Positive airway pressure. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may benefit from positive airway pressure. In this treatment, a machine delivers air pressure through a piece that fits into the nose or is placed over the nose and mouth while you sleep.