Treatments for Sleep Disorders

With 80+ sleep disorders, treatments vary according to type of disorder, severity and number of disorders diagnosed.

A simple example: Restless legs may cause frequent arousals at night. This may be a primary or secondary disorder. The leg movements may be a mechanism used to arouse the patient, causing them to take a breath to compensate for an obstruction caused by OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), making the Restless Leg Movement (RLS) secondary to OSA.

OSA is the most common type of sleep disorder. Treatment, again, varies from CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) to medications, to weight loss. In some cases, several types of out-patient surgeries using laser can be performed to permanently remove the obstruction.

• CPAP

CPAP is a simple device worn at night. In effect, it props open the airway by application of a mask over the nose. The constant pressure inflates the airway, much like air in an innertube, to stop the collapse of the airway and allowing air to flow freely, eliminating long periods of Apnea and decreasing frequent arousals. This allows for an uninterrupted and restful night’s sleep.



• Surgeries

For younger patients, looking at possible decades of CPAP use, surgery is sometimes an option. Surgery is invasive and comes with some risk. For this option, an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist must be consulted. A complete diagnosis from a 2-night Polysomnography test is required. Not all OSA is treatable with surgery. A conversation with your Sleep Specialist may shed light on options available to you. CPAP is always needed between your test and ENT consult.

• Weight Loss

This is the simplest, yet sometimes most difficult to achieve. It is important to note that for every 20 pounds overweight an OSA patient is, CPAP pressures increase dramatically. By decreasing weight, the need for CPAP lessens in many cases. Obstructions lessen as well and a return to normal weight sometimes eliminates the disorder all together.

A discussion with a weight loss specialist may be the cure for OSA.

• Medications

There is no magic pill to correct OSA; however, new medications for such disorders as Restless Leg Syndrome and Narcolepsy, have shown great promise in treating these disorders.

A discussion with your Sleep Specialist may provide answers to these questions.

• Oral Appliances

In mild to moderate cases of OSA where oxygen in the blood drops to unsafe levels, an oral appliance may help. A dentist who specializes in this treatment modality should be consulted.

Oral appliances vary from the simple "mouthpiece" to the complex which adjusts the jaw position. This, in some cases, can correct oxygen levels, snoring and apneic periods, alleviating the need for CPAP.

Some types of Sleep Disorders, especially severe types, may require more than one treatment form. It is vital that any person diagnosed with a Sleep Disorder speak openly and honestly with a physician and follow through any specified treatment plans fully. Sleep Disorders have severe ramifications upon overall health and can cause cardiac problems, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and even death. With treatment, the good news is that most of these are controllable and some reversible!