Once a patient has been diagnosed with a sleep disorder, they will need to get treatment. What this looks like varies from patient to patient, but treatments can be grouped into three general categories: therapies, surgeries, and lifestyle changes.

Therapies

CPAP is the most common form of therapeutic treatment for OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea). In cases where the patient isn’t able to use a CPAP, we may also recommend BPAP or oral appliances.

If the patient has central sleep apnea, they may need another form of treatment, like supplemental oxygen or treatment for an underlying condition.

Complex sleep apnea can be addressed with ASV, but it’s important to offer customized treatment depending on the patient’s unique situation.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can often help alleviate sleep disorders. It’s useful for patients to engage in a healthy lifestyle, which means:

• Exercising
• Abstaining from alcohol and smoking
• Sleeping in a different position

Surgeries

Surgery is used as a last resort. Whenever possible, the goal of sleep disorder treatment is to be effective but noninvasive. That said, there are some situations where surgery is the best form of treatment.

Maxillomandibular advancement, for instance, can be the best form of treatment for patients who are having difficulties because of jaw misalignment. Tissue removal and tissue shrinkage are two other procedures that can prove effective.

In extreme cases, a tracheostomy may be required to ensure you can breathe as needed overnight.

Learn More About Our Sleep Apnea / Sleep Disorder Breathing Treatment – Forward Healthcare

At Forward Healthcare, we work with employers and healthcare providers to ensure their sleep programs are able to test, diagnose, and treat people in a timely manner.

Do you want to learn more about the forms of sleep disorder treatment your organization can offer? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are always happy to help clients take advantage of the latest advancements in sleep research.