Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Learn How To Cure Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Cure

Rough definition of serotonin

The neurotransmitter serotonin (Enteramin or 5 HTP) is mostly present in the blood, gastrointestinal tract or central nervous system. It is best known to strongly influence the sentiment of feeling well. Sometimes it is even called the "happiness hormone". Interestingly about 95% of it is usually located in the the gut of which 90% are in the enterochromaffin cells where it is produced and regulates the intestinal movements. Most of the remainder is located in serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system and in the blood. Other than helping the intestinal movements it primarily impacts the tone of the blood vessels and signal transport in the nervous system.

How does serotonin influence sleep apnea?

Serotonin mainly impacts the nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system.

1. Effects on the cardiovascular system
Serotonin mainly regulates the tone, relaxation and contraction of the muscles around the blood vessels. Meanwhile lung and kidney mostly profit from the contraction, the blood vessels themselves are more influenced by the relaxation. It is known, that malfunctions in the cardiovascular system have a major affect on sleep apnea. Disruptions in the serotonin levels will likely have an effect on sleep apnea.

2. Effects on the central nervous system
a. The feeling of well-being and mood changes
The best known effect of serotonin on the body is it's influence on moods through the central nervous system. At a serotonin level in the brain, that is too high, hallucinations and restlessness can be caused. Meanwhile depressions are often traced to low levels. Often bad aggressive temper and anxiety is also related to low serotonin levels.

BUT: Banana and Chocolate do not actually help by adding serotonin. The mood lightens through the intake of carbohydrates, that lead to an increase in the production of neurotransmitters.

b. Sleep-Wake Cycle
It is known since the 50's that serotonin strongly impacts the sleep-wake cycle. Concerning the mechanisms behind that, older studies have been very contradictory. Current studies show, that the wake periods are influenced by the activity of the serotonin containing neurons in the hypothalamus. The neurons are less active during sleep and almost inactive during the REM phase. Any change in the serotonin level will likely cause disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle and likely have an affect on the exposure to sleep apnea.

c. Breathing
In order to receive signals from the brain, the nerves that regulate breathing need a certain amount of serotonin. The lack of sufficient numbers of neurotransmitters, caused by a problem in the serotonin system will likely cause sleep apnea. In addition the release of hormones like cortisol is controlled by serotonin receptors. The muscles that control breathing are among other things impacted by cortisol.

Following Dr. Murray, author of "5 HTP - The Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia" sleep apnea that can be at least partially traced back to a low serotonin level can be treated by using 5-HTP as part of their overall medical care.

The recommended dose is 100 to 300 mg of 5-HTP before bedtime. Dr. Murray reports that sleep apnea patients that take 5-HTP sleep more soundly and wake up less.

On one hand this is great news, but it should be very clear, that the intake of 5-HTP can not cure sleep apnea alone. It has to be combined with other methods that deal with obesity, breathing techniques, lifestyle (alcohol/nicotine/narcotics) and so on. Make sure you talk to your Doctor before using 5-HTP or other medication and always consider interactions of different medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    What is a cure for sleep apnea outside of ?
    having a machine. I took a pulmonary test the doc says I have sleep apnea. Any cure outside of the breathing machine?

    • ANSWER:
      weight loss if you are overweight, surgery to pull your tongue or jaw forward if it is obstructive sleep apnea.

  2. QUESTION:
    How well does a tonsillectomy cure sleep apnea?
    I have sleep apnea and have a tonsillectomy scheduled for later this year. How well does this fix sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Tonsillectomies alone do not 'cure' sleep apnea. Surgical remedies for sleep apnea usually are for those patients that do not respond well to other treatments, usually surgery is a last resort.

      The correct term for the surgery is called a Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, it removes parts or all of the uvula, soft palate, tonsils, adenoids, and pharynx. Its success rate is about 50%. Basically its a coin flip.

      The tonsillectomy could work, only if its enlarged. Same goes with the other parts that I listed above. The enlarged tissue(s) tend to obstruct your airway when you sleep, especially when you lie on your back.

      I would recommend getting a second opinion and see if your doctor would recommend a sleep study performed on you. Also check with your insurance if it is covered.

      Usually, sleep apnea can be resolved with diet and treatment using a CPAP machine (Continous Positive Airway Pressure). It can significantly improve your sleep.

      Good luck and have a good night's sleep!

  3. QUESTION:
    If I lose weight to get to a healthy weight, will that cure my sleep apnea?
    I'm pretty sure I have sleep apnea, because on occasions I hear myself snore once and then wake up. If I lose weight, will that cure it?

    • ANSWER:
      It could definately help. People who are overweight tend to be more prone to sleep apnea and snoring. It really depends on the reason for the snoring, such as swollen nasal passages, englarged tonsils or adenoids, etc.

  4. QUESTION:
    Can I get bariatric surgery to cure sleep apnea if it's an exclusion?
    I want to know if anyone has ever gotten passed the insurance exclusion by having the surgery to cure a co-morbidity.

    • ANSWER:
      while doctors will tell you that sleep apnea is caused by being over weight, it is by no means the only reason. My sister in law looks like a stick with a head and has apnea. i am a big girl and I have it.
      My husband was normal sized and also had it. Both my parents in law had it and both were normal sized. More reasons than just weight.

  5. QUESTION:
    what is the best cure for sleep apnea?
    I've been diagnosed with sleep apnea. What is a good way to get cured ot if? Does smoking affect it? Does weight?

    • ANSWER:
      im a sleep tech (working right now) and i will say that the best way to treat apnea is with the cpap/bipap machine (google it). weight can play a factor so if u loose weight it will help. usually after going on the cpap machine you will feel better rested,more energetic and willing to exercise and loose wieght. the more wieght you loose you will need less pressure and hopefully not need the machine anymore. but somtimes thin people have apnea too and it may be due to excess tissue in the throat that can be removed with surgery, but it is painful, and does not always work and you may need to go to cpap therapy anyhow. it may be the structure of your neck/jaw (many asians have apnea problems) this is somting you cant really do much about. If your apnea is mild and consists of mostly snoring, you can try the oral appliance whitch is like wearing a retainer and it pulls your lower jaw forward. you get that at the dentist. its expensive and not all insurance covers it and it will only work if you are mild or just snore. hope this helps:)

  6. QUESTION:
    How do you cure sleep apnea without a breathing machine?
    My boyfriend has no insurance. He cannot afford a machine. He wakes tired from this condition and he is a carpenter. Hard work with power tools. I worry about him.

    • ANSWER:
      you can't cure sleep apnea even with a cpap machine. what you can do is get a uppp operation by a ent specialist or lose weight and do not drink alcohol before sleep. do not sleep flat on your back either. those things will help but you are right to be concerned.

  7. QUESTION:
    Can you cure sleep apnea without using a CPAP machine?
    Like if I quit drinking, ate healthy and exercised.. might I not have sleep apnea anymore?

    • ANSWER:
      yeah , it worked for me. i felt the results in about a month . but ya gotta stick with it.

  8. QUESTION:
    What is the surgery called to cure sleep apnea?
    I also read that taking your tonsils out helps. Any GOOD info will help. HELP

    • ANSWER:
      Have you tried non invasive procedures such as CPAP ?

  9. QUESTION:
    Does not snoring cure sleep apnea?
    If you buy a mouthpeice or something to stop your snoring, does it cure your sleep apnea? And if you plan to get one of those, is it recommended to see a doctor? And does sleeping on your side really help?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes Dude, you got it!

      There are some Dental Devices that can help you with snoring and sleep apnea. These devices are preferred by some people who can't tolerate CPAP therapy or doesn't have the money.

      Here is a short description of these dental devices:

      -A dental device or sleep apnea oral appliance is used to relieve upper airway obstruction and snoring by modifying the position of the mandible and tongue.

      -An oral appliance also prevents the tongue from blocking the airway passages.

      There are two types of sleep apnea dental device: mandibular advancement appliances (By repositioning the lower jaw and tongue, the oral appliance keeps airways open and prevents the appearance of snoring and apnea events) and tongue retaining devices (his device reposition the tongue in an anterior position).

      Now you know there are alternative treatments to sleep apnea. You should consult your doctor about this.

      I hope it helps!

  10. QUESTION:
    How can I naturally cure sleep apnea?
    Any help will be appreciated

    • ANSWER:
      If it is obstructive sleep apnea that is caused by excess weight then the trick is to lose weight. If it is sleep apnea caused by an issue with your airway...then there is no natural cure except for surgery. And surgery is not always the answer either.

  11. QUESTION:
    Can surgery cure sleep apnea?
    I know that you can use those air tanks and use dental devices, but is surgery a full proof option?

    • ANSWER:
      it is not fool proof, but it can help depending on what is causing the problem.

  12. QUESTION:
    Is there a cure for sleep apnea?
    I've been having sleep apnea for a few years now. My roomates keep complaining about it. Is there any way to fix it?
    also I'm aware that its a weight issue im working on that right now. I was just wonder if there was like some kind of breathing exercise or something to help it for the time being.

    • ANSWER:
      Sometimes it can be frightening and sometimes, it can be annoying. The fact of the matter is this: if you have OSA, you are already waking up many, many times a night because your body is telling you that it needs some air. You just don't realize that it is happening. However, when you wake up the next day, you are not rested, you fall asleep when you are not intending to, it is all very frustrating.

      Obstructive Sleep Apnea happens when the airway closes with an obstruction and the person can no longer take a breath in. They will make the effort to breathe yet they will not be able to get any air in. The heart rate slows, the oxygen level in the body drops and the body fights to breathe. It is something like drowning or suffocation. Because the oxygen level in the body drops, there are serious consequences to not dealing with ones Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The following are things that can possible happen with someone who ignores their OSA:

      1. Never Rested, irritable, stress increases
      2. Right sided heart failure (cor pulmonale)
      3. Pulmonary Hypertension
      4. Death

      This is your brain! This is your brain without sleep!

      Your body and brain need sleep to function normally. The body needs a good amount of deep sleep called REM sleep. This is the sleep when we dream. People with sleep apnea are waking up so often during the night without even knowing it, to gasp for a breath of air, that they never really get to fall into that deep sleep so necessary for the body to rest. Without the correct amount of rest for the brain, it becomes tired.

      A person with sleep apnea might fall asleep during the day just because they are tired. Memory losses have been tied to sleep apnea.

      Accidents at the job and on the road happen when a person is unable to sleep a sound sleep. Narcalepsy is where a person can be awake one moment and then zippity do dah they are asleep. This can be misdiagnosed in someone who has sleep apnea.

      Mood changes can also happen when the mind is unable to rest. A person might be the nicest guy in the world....suddenly explode and hate everyone.

      Depression and anxiety are also effects of sleep apnea.
      This happens though out the time when the person is sleeping. The strain on the heart is very serious and several things can occur.

      1. High Blood Pressure

      The heart is working hard and pumping hard and not getting a lot of work done, the blood pressure goes up.

      2. Right sided heart failure (cor pulmonale)

      What happens when the heart tries and to get oxygen from the lungs, it becomes enlarged on the right side and begins not to be able to pump the way it should. Right sided heart failure. This can result in Pulmonary Hypertension, which is very, very difficult to treat.

      3. Heart Attack

      The heart is saying, "I need oxygen, I need oxygen, I need oxygen, I am dying, I need oxygen...heart attack...."

      4. Stroke

      Same as the above. The brain needs oxygen to work. When it doesn't get it for extended periods of time, the brain can die.
      5. Cardiac Arrest

      The body is not made to go with out breathing for too long at all. The oxygen in the body is quickly consumed. The carbon dioxide level continues to climb with no where to go but the blood. The pH of the blood in the body falls. If it gets low enough, the body dies. The heart dies. The brain dies. Everything stops...Cardiac Arrest.

      Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea are as follows:

      The most common form of treatment is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). This device will help keep the airways open. If you have ever watched anyone sleep who has obstructive sleep apnea, it might seem strange for a while, then, it gets familiar, and then it turns into, "well, that is just how he sleeps." It is dangerous not to get Obstructive Sleep Apnea treated. A lot of people refuse to wear CPAP because, "it looks funny", "it feels uncomfortable", "it blows in my eyes". Whatever the reason, it is better to go ahead and wear the CPAP then to make excuses not to wear it.

      When you go and see your Pulmonologist, he/she will recommend a sleep study. At the sleep study, they will hook you up to all kinds of different devices to see how you are sleeping. If indeed you do have OSA, the most common form of treatment is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure).

      This device will help keep the airways open.

      If you have ever watched anyone sleep who has obstructive sleep apnea, it might seem strange for a while, then, it gets familiar, and then it turns into, "well, that is just how he sleeps." It is dangerous not to get Obstructive Sleep Apnea treated. A lot of people refuse to wear CPAP because, "it looks funny", "it feels uncomfortable", "it blows in my eyes". Whatever the reason, it is better to go ahead and wear the CPAP then to make excuses not to wear it.

      There is surgery to remove the excess tissue of the throat. I have only seen this done twice. Once was a friend of mine. She said her throat was sore for months. It is a more drastic, invasive measure, but it is also used to correct this problem.

      I say which ever way you use to help you keep breathing at night is good. Just don't ignore the problem. It will not go away and will eventually lead to you being hooked up to more invasive devices than the CPAP machine.

      It is better to breathe than to not breathe

  13. QUESTION:
    Is there a natrual cure for sleep apnea?

    I don't smoke or drink and if I lose anymore weight the wind will blow me away. (125 lbs)

    • ANSWER:
      If you're 125 lbs, you probably will not have any cure from losing weight. You are probably part of that population that just has a floppy airway for whatever reason. Have you been formally diagnosed with sleep apnea? Because not all snoring is sleep apnea.... If you do have it, your best option is to have a sleep study and posibly get a CPAP machine -- it helps to keept the airways open while you sleep, and does not involve any drugs of any kind. It's purely mechanical. Good luck!

  14. QUESTION:
    Is there an operation here in the uk to cure sleep apnea, and does it work .?

    • ANSWER:
      I haven't heard of one but I do know when my husband puts on weight he has sleep apnea and when he loses the weight the apnea goes away .
      Edit
      No im not suggesting you are fat , even a small increase in weight can make a difference.
      Edit
      Just found this drastic opp
      The Ultimate OSA Cure
      A tracheostomy (also spelt tracheotomy) is a permanent hole cut in the windpipe (trachea) about half an inch in diameter, where a tube is inserted into the opening. The size of the tube depends on your weight and physique. Women tend not to need such a large size.

      For OSA patients, the tube is capped during the daytime and the person breathes and speaks normally. During the night-time when the person is about to retire to bed, the plug is removed allowing the lungs to breathe directly through the tube. This bypasses any previous obstruction in the upper airway, and so totally rectifying the problem.

      This is a total cure for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, but it's not pleasant. Don't consider this option without a lot of thought. A tracheostomy tends to smell and has to be cleaned morning and night. This is not an easy job and infections are quite common.
      This is a very last resort solution.

  15. QUESTION:
    how to cure sleep apnea without a cpap machine?

    • ANSWER:
      Depends on the cause. If it caused by obesity, then it can be cured by losing weight. Childhood apnoea is often caused by enlarged adenoids so surgically removing them helps.

  16. QUESTION:
    Tonsillectomy to cure sleep apnea
    I have enlarged tonsils and when I look at my throat in the mirror I can see how the tonsils and uvula come together to create a blockage when I simulate snoring. I am scheduled for a tonsillectomy and UPPP in 8 weeks. Would this likely fix (or at least greatly improve) my sleep apnea since my tonsils are enlarged?

    • ANSWER:

  17. QUESTION:
    What can I do to cure sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      You need to participate in a sleep-study or sleep-diagnostic counseling. The doctor/counselor should be able to recommend things you can do or take to help with your sleep apnea.

  18. QUESTION:
    How to cure sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:

  19. QUESTION:
    Is there a "cure" for sleep apnea?
    I was told that i have sleep apnea and i an trying to join the army and when i went for my physical they "temporary disqualified" me for sleep apnea is there a cure for it?

    • ANSWER:
      Well, I guess there is! You will first need to consult your physician to know what exactly has caused you sleep apnea. If it is you being overweight, then losing weight can reduce your apnea, and with time your body can get conditioned and you can eventually stop having sleep apnea. In the mean time, you will be provided with a CPAP device or probably a dentistry device which will keep your lower jaw forward to avoid apnea attacks.

      If your sleep apnea is due to some structural defects in your respiratory tract or throat, you will need to have some sort of surgical operation to get relief from that defect or some other method that your physician can better tell you after accessing your condition.

      Regarding the army joining, you should consult the army physicians in order to get more information about your condition and to see to how much extent it is curable. Then you can decide if you will be a good fit in the army or not.

      Good luck and don't worry!

  20. QUESTION:
    Whats the fastest cure for sleep apnea?

    Also
    Whats the fastest treatment for Aleep Apnea

    • ANSWER:
      I had sleep apnea for several years, and I went through several different sleep apnea treatments before I discovered a website that explained what exactly caused sleep apnea. I did more research and found a herbal apnea remedy that helped me breath better at night. This allowed me to sleep better overall, and after only a few nights of using this supplement, I noticed that I was able to concentrate better during the day and I had more energy throughout the day. When I first started using this, I was not sure how well this remedy was going to work, but it proved to work much better than I had imagined it would. My family noticed a bigger difference in my behavior than even I did! I have friends who have sleep apnea as well and I told them about this herbal apnea remedy, and after doing some of thier own research, they also tried this supplement. It worked better than anything else that they had tried. This is a natural apnea remedy that is a combination of herbs that work together to provide comfort and relaxation while sleeping. With this supplement, you will be able to stop using your CPAP. This isn't some kind of "miracle drug" that works overnight. It takes a few nights, depending upon how severe your apnea condition is, to start showing significant results. However, if you consistently take it once a night, it will work.

      Overall this works well for me, and I have been taking this supplement for over three months now, and have not had any problems from it. I hope this helps! :)

      http://natures-herbal-solutions.net/

  21. QUESTION:
    Is surgery to cure sleep apnea safe?
    I recently have been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and have started treatment with a CPAP. It makes me feel better but I just feel uncomfortable no matter how hard I try to get used to it. I am not obese(185 lbs, 5'11") so that is not the cause of my sleep apnea. I am meeting with my doctor soon to discuss other treatments outside of the CPAP, but I wanted to see if anyone could give me information or personal experiences on the surgery before I meet with him.

    • ANSWER:
      I had the surgery for sleep apnea....they did the laser removal of my uvula. They also fixed a deviated septum......It was the worst thing I ever did....not only did it hurt like H*** but it never really got rid of my sleep apnea....the pain after surgery was so intense I lost 15 pounds in one week.....couldn't eat or drink anything...it just caused it to hurt that much more...the only thing I looked forward to was my liquid Tylenol every 4 hours.....good luck with your decision!!

  22. QUESTION:
    How do I cure my sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:

  23. QUESTION:
    Will deep throating help cure sleep apnea? I'm serious!?
    This is not a gag question (excuse the pun!).
    I'm dead serious.
    Will deep throating help a person relax, and/or stretch their throat wider, which I would think in theory would help them reduce their sleep apnea.
    What do you think?
    Save the rude or joke comments please, I'm absolutely serious with this question.
    To the person who called me an idiot...
    There was an Austrian study recently that found that people playing the digeridoo decreased their sleep apnea by quite a bit, by conditioning their throat to open up more. Look it up.
    So I thought this made sense, as it would be doing pretty much the same thing, perhaps even better.
    So if I'm an idiot, then so are those Austrian researchers.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea is caused by a number of different things. Unfortunately having a small throat is not one of them so this will not work as a cure. Most doctors would recommend losing weight if you are overweight, however if your weight is within normal ranges the problem may be with your nose being crooked, your uvula being too long, etc. I would recommend a visit to an ENT who can examine you and make suggestions based on your personal situation.

  24. QUESTION:
    whats the cure for central sleep apnea?
    on my 4th mask. cpap. sleep study says non obstructive. do i have central sa. when i put my mask on my nose i cant get much pressure. do not know why. my sinus area x ray says its ok. looking for answers. tired all the time.

    • ANSWER:
      You can treat central sleep apnea with medicine or with CPAP. However, I know that some people with nasal masks have some problems.

      Can't you try full face mask? Or, are you really sure that you have the right pressure? Maybe you need to take the sleep test again.

      As for the medicine, I recommend to speak with your doctor, because some of the drugs can harm your sleep and your health.

  25. QUESTION:
    Have I just found the cure for Sleep Apnea?
    I suffer from sleep apnea, and I use a CPAP device to sleep at night. This device records an AHI, an apnea index. Normally, that index is around 5.0 for an average night for me. Last night, I took cough syrup - a Chinese brand, it says "Traditional Chinese Herbal Cough Syrup" on the box, and a name I can't read, because it's in Chinese. Guess what happened: For the first time ever, the AHI index read "0.0" in the morning. I was flabbergasted. Have I just discovered the cure for sleep apnea? Is it possibly one of the ingredients?

    This is what's in it, according to a supplied ingredients list:

    Tendrilleaf Fritillary Bulb
    Loquat Leaf
    Fourleaf Ladybell Root
    Indian Bread
    Pummelo Peel
    Platycodon Root
    Prepared Pinellia Tuber
    Chinese Magnoliavine Fruit
    Snakegourd Seed
    Common Coltsfoot Flower
    Thinleaf Milkwort Root
    Bitter Apricot Seed
    Fresh Ginger
    Liquorice Root
    Almond Extract
    Menthol
    Honey
    Maltose
    Syrup

    • ANSWER:
      I tried to find information on the listed ingredients, and found this:

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nin_Jiom_Pei_Pa_Koa

      I think it is your cough syrup, or at least a similar one.

      "A study at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine published in a 1994 article, "Pharmacological studies of nin jion pei pa koa", indicated that Pei Pa Koa had significant effect on relieving coughs, removing sputum, relieving asthma in vivo and in vitro[2]."
      So, this stuff has been looked at, and found helpful. If it cures your apnea, go for it! To me, it sounds somewhat dangerous - all of the ingredients I found on Wikipedia are listed as poisonous plants...
      But most medicines are more or less toxic, so that shouldn't stop you if it's really helping you.

  26. QUESTION:
    Is removal of tonsils a must for sleep apnea?
    My kid has a mild sleep apnea that is 5 episodes that lasts about 10 second in the hour on average. The ENT specialist is recommending a surgery to remove tonsils. My question : Is this absolutely required given it is a mind case(as I have been told)? Any side effect/longterm effect if I don't get this done? Will this surgery absolutey cure the sleep apnea?
    Thanks in advance for your kind advice.

    • ANSWER:
      In most cases for children, yes, having the tonsils removed will fix the apnea issues. Surgery is never a 100% guarantee. Not having it done could result in possible continuation of the airway being blocked, which will lead to future health issues. Anything from just being extra tired, feeling like there's a lack of rest although you have a full nights sleep, to serious issues, like Hypertension, Heart Disease, Stroke, Obesity, Depression and so on.

      If you still have serious concerns, you can always get a second opinion. I would just talk to your EMT again and express you're concerns.

      Hope it works out well for your kid : )

  27. QUESTION:
    anyone out there that has had or knows some one how's had surgery to cure sleep apnea? Tell me about it please

    If you're not going to give me a sincere answer than don't bother! This is a serious condition and don't need annoying people giving me stupid answers. I need actual answers. If you feel like giving me a stupid immature questions please don't and grow up. This is not a chatting forum. If you want chatting go on yahoo messanger...thanks.
    I'm only 28yrs. old and don't want to be hooked up to a machine to help me breathe at night. My tonsils are abnormally big and removing them could very well solve my sleep apnea forever. My Surgery is scheduled for Aug 10th.

    • ANSWER:
      I'm sorry you've gotten such negative responses. Though I haven't any info on the surgery, I wish you luck with your's.

  28. QUESTION:
    What are some cures for sleep apnea?
    I have sleep apnea and I was wondering if there are ways to cure/treat it without anything drastic like surgery or expensive machinery. Help please!

    • ANSWER:
      It's too bad that you can't tolerate the CPAP machine. I think you already know that CPAP is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea; however, it's too difficult to have a mask on your face while you sleep and a pressurized air blowing in your face.

      I won't tell you about surgery for sleep apnea, because I see that you already know about it and you don't want it. Good for you!

      Now, I'm wonder how severe is your sleep disorder? If you have a mild or moderate sleep apnea, then you can have some good alternatives. But if you have a severe sleep apnea, I can't guarantee that these alternatives will work.

      Besides the CPAP alternatives, which may not be so effective like CPAP, there is a very good option to treat sleep apnea if the main cause is obesity. So, my advice if you are obese: lose your weight!

      If you want to learn about the CPAP alternatives to treat sleep apnea, take a look on my website:

  29. QUESTION:
    besides cpap machine what is best cure for sleep apnea?
    need help this is killing me

    • ANSWER:
      Sometimes you can have nasal surgery or have tonsils removed.

      Losing weight often helps.

      Cpap is the most common and effective treatment.

      An ear, nose, and throat doctor should be able to tell you about your surgery options

  30. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea?
    My friend and I both have sleep apnea. but sometimes I cant wake up from my sleep is this also sleep apnea. And is there a way to cure or treat it. Its really scarry. It sometimes make me afraid to go to sleep. but this is monstly when I'm sick with a sore throat my breathing worsens.

    • ANSWER:
      You need to speak to your doctor about this. One of the most common ways of treating OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). Basically, it's a machine that you sleep with. You wear a mask and the machine helps open your airways. That's a *very* basic way of explaining it, though. Talk to your doctor, he or she may recommend that you have a sleep study done in a lab so that they can try to figure out exactly what's going on with you.

      http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/snoring/cpap.cfm

  31. QUESTION:
    does a CPAP cure central sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Central sleep apnea...sounds like that's neurological. If so, then CPAP wouldn't help. You have to be trying to breath for CPAP to help by keeping open the passages. If the brain is failing to send a signal to breathe, then CPAP won't get air in.

      If your doc said you have central sleep apnea (and if I'm not wrong about it being neurological), and he wants you on CPAP, he might think you have *both* types of apnea. Certainly possible.

  32. QUESTION:
    is there a cure for sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      It depends entirely on the cause. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. In obstructive apnea as the muscles of the upper airway relax, they collapse and prevent the individual from drawing a breath. Blood carbon dioxide increases and oxygen decreases and the brain awakens. The muscle tone in the airway returns and the individual falls asleep again. The muscles relax and the cycle starts over. This can happen hundreds and even thousands of times a night without the person even being aware that it's happening. The result is that the person never really gets to sleep and is chronically sleep-deprived. There are a few treatments for obstructive apnea: CPAP, which stents the airway open with air pressure; dental devices, which hold the jaw forward and prevent complete collapse of the airway; surgery (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) which removes some of the soft tissue of the upper airway; tracheostomy, which bypasses the upper airway completely (and can be plugged during the day), and in obese patients, losing at least 20 pounds may cure obstructive apnea. Of all of the treatments available only CPAP and tracheostomy have been shown to be 100% effective (and CPAP only when used properly and titrated during a sleep study).

      Central apnea is a neurological problem. During sleep, the brain stops sending impulses to breathe. None of the above treatments will cure central apnea because the problem is not in the airway, it's in the brain. Some medications can cause central apnea. The only treatment for central apnea is nighttime ventilation with a BIPAP or a ventilator through a tracheostomy. Very rarely is a trach used solely for apnea.

      Mixed apnea is obviously a combination of the two problems and the treatment needs to address both factors; most commonly BIPAP is used.

  33. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea...Is there a cure for this and do the Doctors take this seriously?
    my husband snores like a pnematic drill, always tired during the day and has the classic symptoms of this disorder, he wakes up coughing more times than i can count...he is although a bit over weight so i'm not sure if the Doc will take this seriously? Any advice welcome thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep Apnea is SERIOUS...it is a breathing problem!!!

      Dont suffer from it myself but have relatives who do.

      Tell your hubby to go see his Doctor.
      They should refer him to a specialist who can suggest a suitable treatment.

      I have heard of some who undergo surgery to open up blocked nasal passages, and others who use some sort of mask over their nose as they sleep.

      I'm sure there will be other treatment options available as well.

      Hubby is constantly tired because his body is working sooo much harder to take in oxygen he requires to breathe and therefore not getting the rest he needs as part of everyday sleep.

      Some people even stop breathing for short periods...and wake up gasping for breath!!!

      Tell him to seek treatment NOW!

  34. QUESTION:
    What are natural cures for sleep apnea?
    The guy I work for is 90 years old, his family doesnt want to "waste" the extra cash on him for the tests ect. He's definately got sleep apnea ive seen it before. will Vervain help? any other natural treatments i can pay for outta my own pocket for him?

    • ANSWER:
      Obstructive sleep apnea in elderly is treated symptomatically very successfully by the use of CPAP(continuous positive airway pressure) machine. This is an expensive machine but is worth the expense. Person has to use this machine everyday through the night where the machine maintains an optimal breathing pressure and the patient does not get choked because of sleep apnea nor is his sleep disturbed. It is best to consult a Pulmonologist (respiration specialist). The family of the patient does not want to spend the money is a serious problem. You may look for funding from voluntary organisations or health agencies who work for the elderly depending upon where you live. You are doing a good cause and people will support you on this. Hats off to you.

  35. QUESTION:
    How did I get sleep apnea? Can it be cured? What did I do to get this suddenly?
    I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 3 years ago out of the clear blue sky. I was 38 years old and never had any major health problems. From what I read it is hereditary but no one in my family has this. I hear it could lead to stroke, heart attack, etc. How in the world could such a disease just come out of the clear blue sky!!!! I am totally confused and need to know how to CURE this disease!!!!!!!!!

    • ANSWER:
      Depends on how it developed...much sleep apnea is caused by being overweight (not assuming anything about you, just making a statement), losing weight in that case, could "cure" (for lack of better words) the apnea. If the reasoning behind your apnea is something that is controllable, then it is much easier to correct once the "issue" is corrected. Cure (if any) is based on cause.

  36. QUESTION:
    Is there any effective and simple cure for (obstructive) sleep apnea?
    SIMPLE means without using cumbersome respiratory machines or surgery... EFFECTIVE means that it truly works...

    • ANSWER:
      Sorry to say but there is no simple cure for obstructive sleep apnea. The common regimen for obstructive sleep apean is CPAP. CPAP is Continuous Positve Airway Pressure. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs from closure of the glottis (a little flap in your throat that). CPAP will continously keep that open as to prevent it's shutting down to the trachea (your breathing tube). It is worth going through this. Afterall, it is your breathing. Without breathing, you're pretty much lifeless. CPAP is noninvasive. The only downfall to CPAP is wearing the hideous mask and the face dents from the aftermath. But nonetheless, you are breathing right? Hope this helps

  37. QUESTION:
    Medical treatment for my snorring and sleep apnea in Singapore. Would it cost me a lot of money ?
    My problem arises 8 years ago, I seen many doctors in the Philippines but none of them could cure my snorring and sleep apnea. I have heard about doctors in Singapore that could cure such snorring, but I don;t know how much will it cost me. Is it expensive. Any body there who knows how much is the cost of medical treatment specifically snorring and sleep apnea in singapore?

    • ANSWER:
      no but a cure is always better then a treatment - check out their patients and make sure what they do works - also call their office talk to billing and get some quotes.

  38. QUESTION:
    natural cure for sleep apnea?
    i am a poor man froom india mumbai and cannot affort to buy a cpap machine and in very bad health i will be thankful to anyone who can donate or help me to buy this machine

    • ANSWER:
      try to modify your sleep position
      alby

  39. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to get Adderal XR for sleep apnea?
    I've fit all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD PI since I was little

    It got more severe when I started "snoring" and I have zero energy

    I'm moderately overweight but my dad also has sleep apnea

    I've taken adderal 1 time illegally (I didnt know it was illegal to take another persons meds at the time though...) and it WORKED

    I'm 14 years old

    I'm wondering if I should just go for the ADHD PI diagnosis (also because weight loss has a significant chance of curing sleep apnea as adderall is an appetite supressant and raises metabolism)

    or

    Should I get a sleep apnea diagnosis and get absolutely nothing done because the masks for breathing WOULD NOT stay on me during sleep as i move around A LOT and take a small chance of getting it prescribed

    The point is to stay focused and secondarily to lose weight not primarily to cure apnea

    • ANSWER:
      One condition doesn't rule out the other. Get the ADHD PI diagnosis and get Adderall.

      I don't understand why you would try to get Adderall for sleep apnea specifically, that's not going to work.
      Get other treatment for the sleep apnea as well. If you think the sleep apnea diagnosis will somehow delay getting treatment for the ADHD, get the ADHD diagnosis first.

  40. QUESTION:
    Can Sleep Apnea cause me to always feel tired. And to doze off in middle of work at my desk. I'm 95 pounds?
    overweight. How much weight do I have to lose to cure my sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      I don't know about the amount of weight you need to take off, but tiredness is one symptom.

  41. QUESTION:
    cure for snoring/sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      If either is severe you should go to a pulmonologist. If they find there to be reason, they'll have you go to a sleep lab. Based upon those results, you may need a c-pap machine and a mask, with or without a chin strap. It's important to treat apnea through a doctor since you can put your heart through a great deal of strain otherwise as well as affect your memory and quality of life and risk life threatening accidents (vehicular or heavy machiner).

  42. QUESTION:
    Are their sleep apnea cures that can be bought over the counter?
    I have found out that I have a condition called sleep apnea, this is causing problems in my marriage and also making me very depressed. for one I have no drive to do anything and I sleep almost all day possibly trying to make up for the lost of sleep from the night before. This has recently gotten this bad and now my husband has started complaining about the fact that all I do is sleep.I really hurts my feelings. I have no idea what is taking the doctors office so long to make me an appointment for a sleep study but I am trying to see if their is something that I can do in the mean time. Are their any thing I can buy that actually work I have tried the nasal strips and they are no good. what would be some good over the counter objects. I would like for both of us to have a good nights rest.

    • ANSWER:
      I have very severe sleep apnea.

      I added more at the end so read it

      This is as the other person said a very serious disorder..it can cause stroke or heart attack and death,

      For now, raise the head of your bed, about 6 inches with wood blocks or maybe bricks or buy a pillow wedge (the board is less hard on one's back then the pillow wedge).

      Also this is what they tell you to do till you get on a c-pap or bi-pap
      make a pocket on the back of your pajama top and sew tennis balls into them. When one sleeps on their back, it makes sleep apnea worst and more likely to occur. In your sleep if you roll on your back the tennis balls will cause you to get back onto your side or stomach.

      Be sure to ask the doctor for an auto bipap machine and not a c-pap or bi-pap.

      My sleep apnea went years I suspect unnoticed as I had never heard of it but my father had it but we did not know about it then..I just remember my mother saying he would stop breathing all the time when asleep. My son who is overweight was found to be not breathing over 100 times an hour and had very severe apnea. Thank goodness he listened to me and got tested as he did not have the typical side effects like depression and fatigue.

      After I got on treatment, I feel no better..continually fatigued and depressed, I am still battling both these in fact. The only difference I noticed was the morning headaches went away..plus I have 2 other sleep disorders.

      Then they lowered my pressure based on one sleep study even though I told them they were wrong..for 3 years I tried to get another study and finally got one and they said I was getting almost no REM or stage 3/4 restorative sleep. I am certain this is the cause of much of my severe and unrelenting depression...even though I sleep 7 or 8 hours, it is the same as getting an hour of sleep a night for the past 25 years..I have traced nearly everything I have, mentally, emotionally and physically to sleep deprivation.

      They raised the pressure again to 16 which is as high as the machine went. I faithfully wore the uncomfortable mask every night but still felt like crap. On my last sleep study a few years ago, they told me I had PLMD and that I needed a pressure of 17 (my old machine had broken and I was trying to get a new one),

      Thankfully around that time I found the excellent sleep forum cpaptalk

      http://www.cpaptalk.com/CPAP-Sleep-Apnea-Forum.html?sid=2245f6225edf5ee091ce311dfc5b66eb

      it was there people told me about automatic bi pap machines which automatically adjust themselves nightly to your apnea. I also found out I was probably mouth breathing and still having apnea and got a full face mask. I also had a very long tube to the machine as I did not want it by my head but found out long tubes are not good so I started using a shorter tube about 5-6 feet.

      Luckily I was able to convince my sleep doctor to get me the auto-bipap. I discovered I was having apneas still needing pressures as high as 24 pressure (extremely severe apnea) which is as high as the machine goes. The only days I feel a little better or when I sleep for 13-14 hours. Had I listened to the doctor and gotten the pressure he prescribed 18, I would not have been fixed maybe several more years as I was having nearly all of them at at least 20 pressure.

      I have no clue what else to do. It is destroying my life.

      I recently a --another puzzle piece in my long puzzling journey-- in the last 3 weeks. I had for two years a feeling like a lump in the throat. It eventually got so uncomfortable I started coughing and choking so I sought medical help and they ordered a ultrasound of the thyroid which showed nodules so I had a biopsy to rule out cancer While there I insisted the biopsy doctor talk to me and told him my symptoms.

      He said I do not think your problem is your thyroid. i think you have laryngopharyngeal reflux. (LPR), (silent reflux)..I was shocked and said I never have any stomach problems or heartburn. he said no there are different kinds and some do not cause heartburn.

      In looking up the symptoms I discovered I had most of them including coughing tons of phlegm which plagued my for 2 decades at least...when I went to bed especially, I would have coughing fits where I coughed so hard I could not catch my breath and threw my back out.they lasted 5 or 6 hours. i thought I had chronic bronchitis..then a doctor said I had rhinitis and allergies...we thought to mold as when I left I discovered mold under the carpet. It stopped but returned when I moved and they tore out the sink and tub to remodel and replaced the cabinets etc. leaving a layer of dust everywhere a 1/2 inch thick..I started wheezing and choking and broke out into eczema for the first time ever. I thought maybe there was mold behind the tub or something..Finally it went away..I moved again and then it started coming back,.the doctor said I had post nasal drip she thought,

      finally I got an upper gi test three weeks ago and it showed I had very severe reflux...they call it silent reflux cause it burns and damage the esophagus causing more harm but you do not know it as it has no warning signs like acid reflux.

      One day 2 weeks ago, I I was lying down and my throat so clogged up with clear phlegm that I could not breathe at all and had to jump up to breathe..It was then it hit me.

  43. QUESTION:
    Is there anyone with sleep apnea who has had UPPP / tonsillectomy surgery and had success?
    I am scheduled for UPPP and tonsillectomy surgery in 3 months. I keep reading that these surgeries have a low success rate of curing apnea. Is there anyone who has had success with these procedures?

    • ANSWER:
      I have sleep apnea and have NOT undergone UPPP nor will I. Another closely related procedure is LAUPP (laser-assisted uvulopalaoplasty).

      You have not said why you are having this surgery, despite your reading that indicates (correctly) a poor success rate.

      UPPP is very painful and debilitating for up to a couple of weeks post surgery. As with all operations, there are a host of potential complications.

      These procedures have not withstood the rigors of time, follow-up and statistical analysis. While they may eliminate or reduce snoring, there does not appear to be any clear proof of lasting benefit in permanently eliminating obstructive sleep apnea.

      I'm sticking to my CPAP machine, which goes with me all over the world!

  44. QUESTION:
    Can obstructive sleep apnea be cured by operation?If so is the operation an easy process or is it complicated?

    • ANSWER:
      Surgery is normally a last option. CPAP is the primary treatment. There are some types of OSA that need surgery but by far most don't. There are many types of OSA that surgery won't help and I personally know two people who got the surgery (one twice) and it hasn't helped, they are both still on CPAP and have decided it's not so bad afterall. There can be serious complications from throat surgery and virtually no risks with CPAP. I know one who got the surgery and it worked for but he said that the recovery was very unpleseant. I think biblical terms came to mind.
      Using a CPAP can take some getting used to but is woth it. I took to it right away because I loved the newfound energy and alertness I received from it.
      I was tested and diagnosed with OSA after my wife saw mw stop breathing for more than 30 seconds one night. It turned out I have severe sleep apnea averaging over 90 inteuptions per hour anywhere from 10 seconds to over a minute. I never got passed stage two sleep into stages 3 and 4 where your restorative sleep takes place and REM wasn't even on the horizon. It was a split study so the first half of the night, I was tested without any assistance. The second half was with a CPAP controlled by the tech in the control room. When I woke up the next morning after getting just 3 1/2 hours of quality sleep, I was on cloud nine ready to do everything I could find time to do!
      I'm actually going in for a test this evening to see if after 2 1/2 years there needs to be any adjustments in my pressure, I've begun snoring through the CAPA a little now and then. Tonight will be with CPAP all night as I have learned that I now don't sleep without the CPAP. We had a power failure recently and I just couldn't sleep well at all. I've come to love my CPAP and travel with it.
      If CPAP will work for you, I would not even consider doing surgery.

  45. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea cures I snore too loudly. A nurse said that's sleep apnea for sure.?
    I snore .How do I stop this? I know that it can be harmful. Is surgery the only answer. I tried some methods. But no luck. there's got to be a way!

    • ANSWER:
      That nurse was wrong! Sleep apnea is when you quit breathing when you sleep. & you have to go to an over night sleep test Where they hook you up to Monitors to determine if you actually have it. Snoring can be from several different causes. Snoring: Symptoms, Causes, Cures, and Treatment
      Guide to the causes and cures for snoring. Explains the causes and provides a description of the many self-help and professional cures and treatments along ...
      www.helpguide.org/life/snoring.htm - 41k - Cached - Similar pages
      Have a look see & good luck with your problem

  46. QUESTION:
    Do you know of anyone with a sleep apnea problem that has been completely cured of it?
    I know to consult a professional medical expert, I just want feedback from someone who has sleep apnea or know of someone who has it.

    • ANSWER:
      My father-in-law and a friend of mine both had sleep apnea. My father-in-law opts to use the C-Pap machine at night so his breathing is normal now (although I certainly wouldn't call this a cure) and my friend lost a bunch of weight. And ever since he got down to within 10 pounds of his goal weight, he has not had any problems with sleep apnea.
      Good luck!

  47. QUESTION:
    project for science- sleep apnea! (10 pts)?
    What is the cure for sleep apnea?
    Who discovered the cure? When?
    How is sleep apnea treated?

    • ANSWER:

  48. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to get Adderall XR for Sleep Apnea?
    I've fit all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD PI since I was little

    It got more severe when I started "snoring" and I have zero energy

    I'm moderately overweight but my dad also has sleep apnea

    I've taken adderal 1 time illegally (I didnt know it was illegal to take another persons meds at the time though...) and it WORKED

    I'm 14 years old

    I'm wondering if I should just go for the ADHD PI diagnosis (also because weight loss has a significant chance of curing sleep apnea as adderall is an appetite supressant and raises metabolism)

    or

    Should I get a sleep apnea diagnosis and get absolutely nothing done because the masks for breathing WOULD NOT stay on me during sleep as i move around A LOT and take a small chance of getting it prescribed

    • ANSWER:
      You want an MD to treat sleep apnea in a chubby teen with amphetamine?

      No.
      q

  49. QUESTION:
    What is sleep apnea? What are its symptoms? Latest and best cure available in India?

    • ANSWER:
      sleep apnea means you actually stop breathing while you are sleeping due to usually obesity but sometimes the hereditary formation of your neck and nasal passages. A CPAP machine is ordered and this machine fits over your face- nose and mouth and when you breathe it keeps the airway open--
      Symptoms are - insomnia, tiredness, moodiness snoring and sometimes, heart problems.. the longer the periods are that a person is not breathing while he is sleeping, the more chance there is damage being done to his heart.........

  50. QUESTION:
    Need an alternate medicine for obtructive sleep apnea apart from surgery?
    My wife is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, her upper airways both through nose and throat narrowed and her oxigen rate while sleeping comes down drastically to 40%. Suggested surgery but not cooperative. Asks for homeo medicine. Snores loudly, with abdominal breathing. Any suggestion for curing through homeopathy or some alternate medicine is welcome

    • ANSWER:
      PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN CONSIDERING THE OTHER ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTION. They may be life threatening.

      Sleep apnea is a potentially life threatening disrorder. Sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart attack, deadly heart rhythms and other problems.

      Treatment for sleep apnea, as with other potentially deadly disorders, should be based on REAL science. Alternative medicine might not be harmful when used for less dangerous disorders. But when it comes to deadly disorders, only proven treatments should be used......and, yes, I do believe in some 'alternative' therapies like accupuncture and others for some disorders.....

      But...for sleep apnea, treatment should be limited to scientifically proven methods (proved by REAL scientists in REAL universities).

      The accepted treatments for sleep apnea include: CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure), weight loss, oral appliance (mouthpiece made BY DENTIST), and oral surgery.

      That is IT. Those ARE the proven methods for treating sleep apnea.

      There are other advertised treatments for sleep apnea (nose strips, magnets, sprays, homeopathy, sound devices, hypnosis, voodoo)....None of them have been demonstrated to be effective in REPRODUCIBLE studies....that means that scientists from different labs were not able to get the same results as the individuals who made the claim....

      So please be careful. Doctors may not know everything in medicine....but they know a lot more than general public about these disorders.

      Good luck.
      For more info on sleep apnea, go to American Sleep Association:

      http://www.sleepassociation.org/


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