Treatment options for sleep apnea

While you sleep, your heart rate should be lower than when you’re awake.

Sleep apnea stresses the heart.  As one has periods of time when there is less airflow (and sometimes none), the heart needs to beat faster and harder to pump blood that has less oxygen to the brain and body.  If the heart is working harder during sleep than while awake, it's no wonder you feel like you haven’t slept!

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment.  It involves wearing a mask that uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open. Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP) is similar, but some find more comfortable.  Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) dental devices also stabilize the airway.  I wear one myself.

Medical management of airway inflammation, avoiding sleeping on your back, and reduction of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, indigestion) have also been shown to be appropriate in some cases.

Why too much napping isn't good for you

Weight loss is another way to alleviate sleep apnea and stress on the heart.  Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Spices like turmeric, ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties.  Use them instead of salt to reduce blood pressure.

Family or group exercise is a good way to encourage physical activity. If you don’t have time to exercise three days per week, how are you going to find time for three months of rehab after a stroke or heart attack?

As a last resort, there are airway surgeries to reduce sleep apnea severity. As always, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Jose Colon, M.D., is a Neurologist and Board Certified Sleep Specialist with Lee Physician Group.  His office is located at 13601 Plantation Rd., in Fort Myers.  He can be reached by calling 239-343-0762.