It is wise though to first sit down and talk with your doctor or healthcare provider to learn everything about your condition and to discuss treatment methods. Ask your doctor what are the best ways you can help to improve your medical situation. Keep in mind that it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and to use these suggestions in conjunction with the prescribed treatment, whether it be CPAP, surgery, etc.

Many individuals consider these “self-help remedies” to be lifestyle changes. Be aware that these changes can also improve other medical conditions and are beneficial in improving an individual’s overall health and well being.

Weight is one important aspect that makes a difference in sleep apnea. If you are overweight or obsess lose the weight. Even losing a few pounds can make a difference in sleep apnea symptoms. An excessive amount of weight on the body can make sleep apnea worse in two different ways.

First of all those who are overweight tend to have thicker necks and more fatty tissue in their neck area. Too much fat in this area can obstruct the airway and make collapse more likely. The other contributing factor is too much weight in the abdominal area makes it more likely for the muscles that control breathing to work insufficiently. Breathing muscles that don’t work to their optimum best can make breathing during nighttime sleep tremendously more difficult.

Some people find it a struggle to lose weight and prefer to attempt to lose weight or go on a special weight loss plan after they have commenced their sleep apnea treatment. This is perfectly fine. The important thing is to lose excess weight if it is necessary. If you are of a normal weight then you have nothing to worry about in this area!

Smoking makes sleep apnea a great deal worse as it contributes to a “decreased lung capacity.” As well smoking causes throat muscles to relax excessively thereby making it possible for the airway to become obstructed. Many people believe that nicotine patches are one of the best ways to help quit smoking.

Alcohol consumption should be decreased in general and should never be consumed three to four hours before bedtime. Drinking alcohol serves to depress the reflexes of breathing and by so doing, causes a case of sleep apnea to get worse.

Besides alcohol, it is a wise to avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers and other medications, prescription or otherwise, that can interfere in any way with normal breathing patterns.

When you suffer allergies, throat infections or colds these can all cause narrowed airway passages and congestion in the sinuses and nose. The viruses and bacteria that cause these health problems can make sleep apnea worse.

As well medication taken for these conditions can encourage sleep apnea episodes. Speak to your doctor before taking meds for any condition that could potentially bother your breathing.

Age is one factor. More people thirty years and older experience sleep apnea with the highest occurrences being in men over the age of forty.

Sleep apnea is far more common in men than it is in women. It is believed that on average twelve to twenty million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. Breaking this down into gender, approximately twenty-four percent of men in the general population have it while only nine percent of women do. Premenopausal women are less likely to suffer from sleep apnea then menopausal or post menopausal women and for reasons unclear to researchers, the occurrence of the sleep disorder is more evenly matched among the sexes after women are finished with menopause. Many studies have been done looking at the gender gap in relation to sleep apnea. Some studies point to the fact that it is two to three times more widespread in males than in females. However research studies done in sleep clinics across the country have shown results that men are five to six times more likely to experience this health problem.

Genetics plays a role in this disorder, however how large a role is unknown. If there is a family history of sleep apnea, whether it be males or females you are more likely to develop it at some point in your lifetime. There seems to be a genetic predisposition towards sleep apnea while people who have family history are less likely to become afflicted by it.

Race also plays a role according to researchers. Those of African American ethnicity as well as Hispanics and Pacific Islanders are more likely to develop the problem than are Caucasians. However that does not mean that Caucasians never develop it at all but it is in reduced rates in relation to other races. Black people tend to develop sleep apnea earlier in their lives than do Caucasian individuals.

Any medical condition that interferes with the breathing process can contribute to the onset of sleep apnea. In particular deformities to do with the spine such as scoliosis can cause problems and may bring it on.

Health conditions such as Down syndrome or Marfan’s syndrome that contribute to abnormalities of the head and face known as craniofacial problems can greatly increase a person’s chances of developing sleep apnea.

As mentioned earlier, menopause seems to play a role in developing sleep apnea. Women going through menopause are more likely to develop it than are younger women and the occurrence rates in the sexes are more evenly matched after menopause comes to an end.

Sleep apnea is believed to affect anywhere from 1.6 to 3.4 percent of young children. It is hypothesized by experts that “sleep disorder breathing” can be found in eleven percent of children in the general population. One specific study yielded the result that while the incidence of sleep apnea rises with age, the many health problems that accompany it tend to become less severe. For example it was shown that those before the age of forty-five have more serious health consequences than those who are older.

Studies have shown that those who live in rural areas tend to suffer more incidences of sleep apnea than those who live in urban areas. However those who live in cities tend to suffer from insomnia and disturbed sleep more often. This is believed to be related to stress. Of all races in the United States those who are African American tend to have a higher likelihood of developing this sleep disorder as opposed to other ethnic groups.

Being overweight can pose a risk for developing sleep apnea especially for those who have an accumulation of fat in their abdominal areas (these people are often thought to be “apple shaped”). This is as true for adults as it is for children and teenagers. Sometimes even losing ten pounds or less can have a positive effect. It is important to point out that not everyone who experiences “sleep-disordered breathing” is overweight. This is especially the case when it comes to women and children.

There are a few physical characteristics that also seem to predispose an individual to be more likely to develop sleep apnea. For example having a larger neck may play a role. This may also partially explain why men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women. The risk is greatest for men who have a neck circumference of seventeen inches or more and for women who have a neck measurement of sixteen inches or higher.

Other physical characteristics that play a role include having a narrow upper jaw; having an overbite; having a chin that recedes, having a long lower portion of your face; having a large thick tongue and having a long, stiff soft palate.

The Pillar Procedure is gaining in popularity because it is not as invasive as some of the other surgical procedures and it doesn’t take up too much of a patient and doctor’s time (on average it requires one quick visit to the physician’s office). The Pillar Procedure has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its willingness to treat both cases of snoring as well as sleep apnea and it is also clinically proven. In tests done utilizing the Pillar Procedure approximately eighty percent of sufferers noted a positive improvement in their nightly sleep apnea patterns. Many noted that episodes were dramatically decreased.

One reason for sleep apnea is that the “soft palate vibrates during snoring and can block the airway.” When it comes to the Pillar Procedure three tiny inserts are placed into the soft palate to offer a sufficient amount of support. The inserts are not visible to the human eye and they do not cause problems either with speech or with swallowing. These reasons alone make the Pillar Procedure a viable option.

The Pillar Procedure deals with the soft palate and calls for the injection of three tiny woven inserts into the soft palate that are geared at decreasing the vibrations that bring about snoring as well as prevent the soft palate from interfering with, or blocking the flow of air. Structural support is encouraged by way of the inserts and over time they blend into the natural tissue structure for continued support. At the time of the procedure the patient’s soft palate is given a local anesthetic to numb it and then the doctor goes ahead with implanting the inserts by way of a special medical tool. In some cases a mild painkiller will be prescribed to the patient for use if there is discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. This procedure does not even have to be done at the hospital; it can be done right in the doctor’s office.

The material that the Pillar inserts consist of has been used in other implantable medical devices for an excess of fifty years. Most patients report little if any discomfort and there is a short recuperation period. Many people return to their regular eating habits as well as their regular activities very quickly, some as soon as the same day or the day preceding the procedure.

The risks involved with the Pillar Procedure are very minimal. In fact only one percent of those treated with this method ever suffer any adverse effects. As well if so desired, the procedure can be reversed. It is important to be aware that the effectiveness of the procedure depends on a number of factors which include the size of a patient’s tonsils, their tongue position and their body mass.

The implant procedure that is creating quite a buzz in the medical community is known as the pillar procedure, and it involves small implants that are placed within the soft palate. The implants and the scar tissue that is created by the surgical procedure helps to provide a level of support to the soft palate so that it is not as easily collapsible. This can cause the airway of those with obstructive sleep apnea to be more open, allowing the patient to breathe more properly throughout the evening. The soft palate of those who have the pillar procedure tends to stay in place, as opposed to falling back which commonly occurs in those with the disorder. Studies show that a full two thirds of all mild obstructive sleep apnea sufferers can benefit from the treatment, and it has been approved by the FDA. The surgery is an outpatient procedure, and it has been performed with a very reasonable success rate by doctors for the past four years. The implant takes roughly thirty minutes to install, and three small implants are placed throughout the palate.

While the long-term benefits of this surgery are not yet realized, it shows much promise in helping those with a mild case of apnea to reduce their problem. The implants in the palate do not pose much of a problem to the patients, as they cannot be felt after being implanted. Also, if the implants prove to be of little success, they can be easily removed via another surgery. While not a complete solution to the problem caused by obstructive sleep apnea, these implants represent a new hope for those who have a mild form of the condition. As with any serious medical procedure, it’s important to get a proper opinion from your trusted health care professional. Also, if you feel unsure whether or not your condition merits the treatment, a second opinion is advised. For those who wish to learn more about the Pillar procedure, you can contact Cynthia Harding, the Public Relations Director of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at cynthia.harding@cshs.org.

SleepApnea.org
What else do I need to say that the American Sleep Apnea Association website is a must have internet favourite. As if you didn’t know already The American Sleep Apnea Association is a non-profit organization that promotes education, awareness and research into sleep apnea. A must-have website.

SleepQuest.com
Well, a collection of internet favorites would not be complete without sleepquest.com. SleepQuest specializes in treating obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders by providing innovative diagnostic and treatment services in the convenience of the patient’s home. This website is an information resource worth visiting.

ApneaNet.org
APNEA Network is a site worth having a look at. It has information about CPAP machines as well as on apnea itself. The most compelling reason to go visit though is the patient stories.

CPAPTalk.com
This is a forum based online support group really and a massive great big resource about sleep disorders and apnea. Most definitely a place to bookmark and hang out.

National Institutes of Health
This webpage is the sleep apnea resource from the National Institutes of Health and is a basic collection of links to other pages with related information I know you will find useful. Go there now and then go for a 5 minute walk around the house.

TheSleepSite.com
This is a website for The Columbus Community Health Regional Sleep Disorders and has a wealth of information on all sorts of sleeping problems and disorders. A great relic of a site that has survived because it IS that good.

Stanford.edu – Apnea Article
Here is a great article from the ancient depths of the internet age anno 1999. It is well worth the read I tell you. Save the page any way you can because you never know when the page might disappear – it is that old after all!

Tip 2 – Approximately twenty million American residents are believed to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea of varying degree. It is estimated that at any given time the number of people being treated for sleep apnea is fewer than 500,000.

Tip 3 – Obstructive sleep apnea can range from mild to moderate to severe. For those with mild to moderate cases, doctors often suggest as a first step, making lifestyle changes to help control the problem. Some of these changes include losing weight, quitting smoking and not consuming alcohol or sedatives right before bedtime, altering one’s sleeping habits and using nasal strips.

Tip 4 – Smoking can make a case of sleep apnea worse and therefore an effort should be made on the patient’s part to beat the habit.

Tip 5 – All alcoholic beverages should be avoided at least four to five hours before bedtime and no tranquilizers or sleeping pills should be taken. All of these substances contribute to a worsening of the health condition as the tissues of the throat often sag in response to the consumption of them and breathing becomes restricted.

Tip 6 – Episodes of sleep apnea can be decreased by sleeping on one’s side instead of on one’s back and by using one pillow instead of two.

Tip 7 – Nasal strips that can be purchased over-the-counter (such as Breathe Right) can be beneficial in opening up the nasal passages for some individuals.

Tip 8 - The most common signs or symptoms of sleep apnea include loud and consistent snoring, gasping or choking throughout the night, excessive daytime fatigue and frequent episodes during sleep when breathing is labored or stops all together.

Tip 9 – Always keep the lines of communication open between yourself and your doctor or healthcare provider. Ask all of the questions you need to regarding the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea as well as the sleep test used to diagnosis the condition

Tip 10 – Lifestyle changes are the first course of treatment for sleep apnea. These include quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol at least four hours before bedtime and not consuming any type of sleeping pill or sedative.

Tip 11 – Even a few pounds loss can be helpful for those suffering from mild sleep apnea. It is also recommended that sleep apnea sufferers sleep on their side and not their stomach or their back. Which side is not of much importance but sleeping on one’s side can serve to keep the throat and airways clear and open.

Tip 12 – If you suffer from sleep apnea, please remember that oversized pillows are not recommended and neither is it recommended to use more than one pillow while you sleep.

Tip 13 – There are oral plastic mouth appliances that can be custom-fit for a patient either by a dentist or an orthodontist that can bring some degree of relief from symptoms. These oral mouth devices are meant to keep the airway clear and open while the patient sleeps. These devices are best at reducing how much a patient snores on a consistent basis.

Tip 14 – Keep in mind that you may need to try a variety of treatments to find the one that works best for your specific condition. Some people try one for a while and then move on to others to see if they bring more relief. The most effective treatment for a person is often dependent on how many symptoms they suffer from and how severe each symptom is.

Tip 15 – An alternative therapy sometimes used for sleep apnea sufferers is flower remedy/essence therapy. The therapy used in this case is a flower remedy known as Vervain. Vervain has a tendency to calm and relax people. Not only does it help symptoms of sleep apnea in some sufferers but also Vervain is also excellent when it comes to lowering levels of stress and helping those with high blood pressure.

OSA comes about as a result of repeated episodes of airway obstruction during sleep. Men and women who are considered to be what is known as the “diagnostic criteria for OSA” means that they have on average ten bouts of sleep apnea occurrences (or what is often called apneic events) in the course of one hour’s time.

You should get in touch with your physician right away if either yourself or your spouse or sleeping partner experiences loud, habitual snoring followed by excessive sleepiness during the day coupled with a lack of concentration and memory. If you make note of the alarming fact that your spouse experiences cessation of breathing during the night or other symptoms such as gasping or choking then it is time to schedule a visit to the doctor’s office. If you have the recurring tendency to fall asleep throughout the day and/or at inappropriate periods of time, for example while you are working, eating or even driving then the condition is serious enough to warrant medical attention. The latter can prove deadly for yourself and others.

Since sleep apnea can occur in children as well it is important to pay attention to your child’s sleeping habits. Does he or she have a problem with breathing throughout the night? Does he snore or sleep less than soundly? Does he wake up many times in the night and feel tired during the day? If yes then your child may very likely be suffering from sleep apnea and medical intervention is necessary.

Sometimes what is known, as “watchful waiting” is needed. What this means is that you play a game of “wait-and-see.” If for whatever reason your symptoms improve on their own then that’s good news and nothing further is needed. However if your symptoms worsen you will need to seek out your doctor and he or she can help map out the best treatment for your condition. If you snore then watchful waiting might be exactly what you need especially if you don’t find yourself extremely tired or drowsy throughout the daytime. Snoring is not always a sign of sleep apnea as snoring sometimes exists on its own. Immediate medical intervention as opposed to watchful waiting is what the doctor ordered if you snore often and heavily, if you experience restless bouts throughout the night, if you stop breathing during intervals throughout the night and if you find yourself feeling unrefreshed when you wake and groggy during the workday.

Now while a person sleeps it is an all together different story. In this case, not only are you giving your mind and body a rest and plenty of relaxation but the muscles that line your mouth and throat decide to relax also. This causes a narrowing of the air passages. For those without any sleep or breathing problems this doesn’t pose any extra concern whatsoever. However for those who suffer from sleep apnea a dangerous turn of events can be put into play. Sleep apnea often involves snoring and an obstruction of the airways and coupled with the relaxation mode that the mouth and throat have gone into, this causes the normal airflow to be partially and/or totally blacked. Due to this, regular breathing is unable to take place.

If regular breathing is disrupted then there is very little if indeed any air flowing through that can bring about the required pressure on the airway muscles to keep everything running smoothly. When this happens it is dangerous because the air passages can narrow and collapse even further, thereby limiting all of the air that is attempting to pass through. Air then has no route from which to reach the lungs and with this, the level of oxygen in the blood begins to drop.

The brain is now on overdrive trying to let the lungs know that they must get air and return to a normalized breathing pattern. Unfortunately the lungs are unable to do as they are told as the air passages are collapsed and will not allow air to flow through. Finally the brain realizes that its oxygen supply is depleted as well and it then goes about the task of letting the body know by waking the person up in order for them to restore the required amount of muscle tone to their air passages and kick start regular breathing.  Some people who suffer from sleep apnea awake with a choke, a gasp or a snort as they attempt to force breath into their lungs.

Once the cycle of regular breathing commences, the oxygen levels rise again to their normal place and then the person falls back to sleep, and into the rapid eye movement (REM) deeper stage of sleep. However this causes the cycle of the muscles in the airways to collapse and become obstructed again thereby perpetuating the cycle.

Research into this cycle shows that it brings about disrupted sleep over a consistent period as the body requires in particular a sufficient amount of REM sleep per night in order for a person to feel rested and energized the following day. This cycle causes the brain to not get the necessary rest as well as it constantly needs to awaken the sleeping individual to alert him or her to the breathing problem at hand.

First of all it may seem obvious but it is important to sit down and read the manual for the CPAP from cover to cover and make sure you understand everything. Familiarize yourself with the mask and the headgear and experiment with the buckles, straps and Velcro seams to see if you can get a comfortable fit. The leakage of air is often a common problem with CPAP but it has more to do with positioning than it does pressure. Pressure is important to seal it in place but take the time to guarantee that you have the mask properly in position before you begin tightening the straps. And remember tighter straps don’t necessarily allow the mask to fit better.

Some people find the use of a heated humidifier helps decrease the chance of CPAP being uncomfortable. If you find that your sinuses are drying out at a quick rate and the air in general is too dry then invest in a heated humidifier. Sometimes these can be costly but some manufacturers offer them at reasonable rates to work with specific CPAP models. Basically put a heated humidifier is, “a piece of plastic which you fill with water and place in between the machine and your mask.” How it works is the air makes it way over the water and as it does so it picks up a significant amount of moisture. In this way it works very much the same as an ordinary humidifier used around the home. Many patients strongly advise the use of a heated humidifier for comfort.

Continuous positive airway pressure is usually fairly quiet but some people find the sound of it which is comparable to “white noise” to be calming while others find it annoying. If you are one of the latter there are only two things that you can do to resolve the problem. First you can somehow find a way to block the noise (such as covering it with something or wearing ear plugs at night) or you can move the machine as far away from your bed as possible.

Some patients need help from a qualified health care provider or a family member or friend in order to decide on a mask that fits as well as possible. Some people try a few before they find one that is just right for them. Most of the side effects that patients experience when they first begin the treatment of CPAP are temporary and generally mild, such as headaches, sore, itchy eyes, bloating in their abdominal area and nasal congestion. The average patient becomes accustomed to CPAP treatment anywhere from two to twelve weeks after commencing the treatment and research into the use of CPAP has found that approximately less than half of patients who start it choose to not continue with it.