How to treat or cure sleep apnea

Sleep apnea can be treated very effectively, though it is usually managed as a long-term condition rather than cured once. The right treatment depends on the type and how severe it is. Obstructive sleep apnea can improve a lot or even resolve with weight loss and the right therapy.

Step 1: Get a diagnosis A sleep study (polysomnography, or a home sleep test) measures breathing pauses, oxygen levels and sleep. It confirms the diagnosis and grades the severity. An ENT and sleep specialist can assess the airway.

Step 2: Lifestyle changes for everyone Weight loss if overweight, regular exercise, side-sleeping, no alcohol or sedatives near bedtime, no smoking and treating nasal allergy.

Step 3: Main therapy for moderate to severe obstructive apnea CPAP is the first-line treatment. Using it every night, for most of the night, brings the best results.

Step 4: Alternatives

• Oral appliance made by a dentist for mild to moderate apnea or CPAP intolerance.
• Positional therapy for apnea that happens mainly on the back.
• Surgery, such as tonsillectomy (especially in children), nasal surgery, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, jaw advancement or a nerve stimulator implant.
• Bariatric surgery for severe obesity, in selected cases.

Step 5: Treat central sleep apnea Treat the underlying cause, such as heart failure, and sometimes use special ventilation devices. This needs specialist care.