Treatment:

The goal is to keep the airway open so that breathing does not stop during sleep.

The following lifestyle changes may relieve symptoms of sleep apnea in some people:

• Avoiding alcohol or sedatives at bedtime, which can make symptoms worse
• Avoiding sleeping on the back may help with mild sleep apnea
• Losing weight may decrease the number of apnea spells during the night

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is now the first treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in most people. CPAP is delivered by a machine with a tight-fitting face mask.

Many patients have a hard time sleeping with CPAP therapy. Good follow-up and support from a sleep center can often help overcome any problems in using CPAP. For information on this treatment, see: CPAP.

Some patients may need dental devices inserted into the mouth at night to keep the jaw forward.

Surgery may be an option in some cases. This may involve:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) -- to remove excess tissue at the back of the throat. This surgery has not been proven to completely clear up sleep apnea. Long-term side effects are also possible.
• More invasive surgeries -- to correct problems with the face structures in rare cases when patients have severe sleep apnea and treatment has not helped
• Tracheostomy -- to create an opening in the windpipe to bypass the blocked airway if there are physical problems (rarely done)

Surgery to remove the tonsils and adenoids often cures the condition in children. It does not seem to help most adults.

Expectations (prognosis):

People with poorly treated sleep apnea often have:

• An increase in anxiety and depression
• A loss of interest in sex
• Poor performance at work or school

Because of daytime sleepiness, people with sleep apnea have an increased risk of:

• Motor vehicle accidents from driving while sleepy
• Industrial accidents from falling asleep on the job

With treatment, the symptoms and problems of sleep apnea should be totally corrected.

Complications:

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea may lead to or worsen heart disease, including:

• Heart arrhythmias
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure
• Stroke

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• You have excessive daytime sleepiness
• You or your family notice symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea
• You have this condition, and symptoms do not improve with treatment or new symptoms develop