Will My Sleep Apnea Go Away on Its Own?

Some forms of illness go away without treatment; the body’s natural healing processes are enough to eliminate the problem. Other issues, however, may never go away without help. Which category does sleep apnea in Vero Beach fall into? Let’s discuss that important question. You’ll also discover useful tips to manage sleep problems and enjoy higher-quality rest.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when tissues in the throat block the upper airway, leading to repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. In some cases, those pauses occur as the result of a temporary condition. For example, if you have a cold or allergies, your sinuses are likely to be congested. That can interfere with your ability to breathe well at night. After the cold runs its course or you are no longer exposed to a specific allergen, you may begin to breathe normally again without OSA treatment.

In most cases, though, OSA is a long-term condition. It may be caused by anatomical abnormalities in the oral cavity, excess fat around the neck, or other issues that will not resolve on their own. You should be proactive about taking steps to improve your nighttime breathing.

What You Can Do

Here are some things you can do that may reduce your sleep apnea symptoms:

• Sleep on your side. This will prevent gravity from pulling tissues into your airway and causing obstructions.
• Cut back on alcohol and caffeine. These substances interfere with the body’s sleep cycle. Alcohol even relaxes the tissues in the throat so they are more likely to interfere with proper breathing.
• Manage your weight. Shedding excess pounds can reduce pressure on your respiratory system. Losing fat around the neck lowers the risk of breathing disturbances during sleep.
• Quit smoking. Smoke of any kind is an irritant that can cause airway inflammation.
• Deep clean your bedroom. Removing dust and other potential allergens, like pet dander, from your sleeping environment may improve nighttime breathing.

Seek Professional Treatment

It is generally best to combine lifestyle changes with professional treatment to enjoy the highest-quality sleep possible. A CPAP machine is commonly prescribed for OSA sufferers; it uses pressurized air to allow patients to breathe without interruption. However, it can be uncomfortable and cumbersome.

Many patients prefer to use an oral appliance, a small device that looks like a mouthguard. It moves the jaw slightly forward, thereby shifting the oral tissues in a way that allows for better breathing. An oral appliance is more convenient and portable than a CPAP machine.

Sleep apnea usually does not go away on its own. However, there are some simple things you can do to reduce your symptoms and enjoy better rest.

Meet Dr. Mogell

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a double-board certified dental sleep medicine expert. He specializes in providing oral appliance therapy to individuals in Vero Beach, Boca Raton, Melbourne, and the surrounding communities. To learn how he may be able to serve you, reach out to any of our convenient locations or call us at 772-882-6800.