Does Sleep Apnea Ever Go Away On Its Own?

One hopeful question you might ask upon receiving a new diagnosis is: will this go away on its own? While we all wish that were the case for inconvenient news, it’s relatively rare for medical conditions to miraculously take care of themselves without intervention. Sometimes certain lifestyle changes can help, but other times medicine and/or therapy will be necessary. For example, sleep apnea is a condition that is unlikely to resolve on its own.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is when the upper airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, which prevents the easy flow of oxygen. Consequently, your body wakes itself up several times throughout the night to restore your breathing capability. This leads to tossing and turning, daytime sleepiness, headaches, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and an increased risk of anxiety and heart disease.

Certain anatomical factors can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea, such as obesity, a large tongue or tonsils, and a deviated septum. Sleep position, allergies and nasal congestion, smoking, and alcohol consumption can also play a role in the severity of sleep apnea.

How Can You Treat Sleep Apnea?

Sleeping on your side instead of on your back can help keep your tongue and throat from collapsing inward and blocking your airways. Drinking alcohol before going to bed can exacerbate sleep apnea, so skipping the nightcap can improve your sleep quality. If you are overweight, healthy weight loss may help you breathe more easily.

There are a variety of professional treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea, such as oral appliance therapy, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, and laser therapy. Oral appliances are custom made to fit your mouth and reposition your tongue and jaw to keep your airway open. A CPAP machine involves wearing a mask that provides a steady stream of air to prevent your breathing passages from closing.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Raleigh, NC

At RespAir Sleep, our team can determine the best solution for your disordered breathing. We offer a wide variety of sleep apnea treatment options. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation!

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Categorised in: Sleep FAQ