Research Reveals That Increased Education About Sleep Apnea Leads to Better Outcomes

Sleep-disordered breathing is a problem that should not be taken lightly. In addition to leaving you feeling groggy during the day, untreated sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea can lead to several other health problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and heart disease. Effective treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and oral appliance therapy are available to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea Treatment Options Obstructive sleep apnea is caused when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat during sleep, blocking the upper airway. The traditional treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP therapy, which consists of wearing a mask hooked up to a constantly-running machine that provides air to patients while they sleep, helping to keep the airway open. Patients can find the treatment to be uncomfortable and cumbersome, and up to 50 percent of patients do not continue to use CPAP treatment long-term. An alternative to this treatment is oral appliance therapy. Custom-fit by a dentist knowledgeable in dental sleep medicine, this treatment - which uses a mouth-guard like device to hold the jaw forward and keep the airway open - is easy to use and quieter than CPAP. Getting in the Head of a Snorer Researchers are finding that a major obstacle to treating sleep apnea actually lies in the mind - and not the bed - of the patient. In a new study presented in June at the American Academy ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news