Treating sleep disorders can take many paths
Sleep disorders are a serious health and economic issue in the
Sleep deprivation caused by sleep disorders also harms work productivity, social life, driving and other day-to-day activities.
Most of the more than 70 sleep disorders can be treated once they're correctly diagnosed, according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. There are a number of ways to treat sleep disorders, including:
- Continuous positive airway therapy. Called CPAP, this treatment helps with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which people's breathing is continuously interrupted for short periods while they sleep. CPAP works by sending a steady stream of air through a mask and into the back of the throat to keep a person's airway open while he or she sleeps.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy. This approach is meant to treat sleep disorders by teaching people how to alter behaviors or thoughts that interfere with sleep and to develop habits that lead to a healthy pattern of sleep.
- Melatonin. Used like a nutritional supplement, melatonin offers the greatest benefit for people with certain circadian rhythm sleep disorders, such as shift work, jet lag and delayed sleep phase, according to the
- Medications. A number of drugs can be used to treat sleep disorders. Many but not all are prescription medications. Always consult with a doctor before using any medication to treat sleep problems. It's important to make sure the medication won't interact with something else you might be taking, that you are aware of possible side effects and that you take the medication best suited for you.
- Oral appliances. These devices -- which are used to treat snoring and bruxism (grinding of teeth or clenching of jaws) as well as obstructive sleep apnea -- are often similar to sports mouth guards. The appliances protect the teeth and keep the airways open while a person sleeps.
- Surgery. For people with severe obstructive sleep apnea, surgery can be used to widen the breathing passages. A number of surgical options are available. Some focus on reducing the amount of extra tissue in the mouth and throat. Some procedures remove it, whereas others shrink the tissue or stiffen it. Other surgery might be suggested to realign the lower jaw.