Sometimes, a good night’s sleep is too much to ask.
There’s a wide variety of sleep disorders and an equal amount of potential causes, and therefore there are many potential treatments that are specific to each disorder. This typically falls into two categories: non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments.
In this article, we’ll discover the use of surgery, medical devices like Resmed masks, and medications like sleeping pills for treating sleep disorders.
Surgical treatments, medical devices, therapy for sleep disorders
Non-pharmacological treatments include those that do not necessitate the use of prescription or non-prescription drugs. In this case, the use of surgery, medical equipment, behavioural therapy, and other devices are utilized.
Surgical treatments. Surgical treatments are used to correct defects in the upper airway, which is one of the primary causes of obstructive sleep apnea. Surgical options may include adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, jaw surgery, or uvulopharyngoplasty (UPPP).
Therapy. While sleep is a natural body process, there is an element of behaviour that comes with it. Therefore, therapies meant to influence the inert behaviours linked with sleep can often times be effective. Therapies may include: cognitive therapy, stimulus control, or relaxation techniques. Behavioural therapy may also be beneficial in treating bedwetting, parasomnias, and general insomnia, among other sleep problems.
Behavioural changes. Behavioural changes can also be employed without the need for general therapy. For instance, basic guidelines to improve sleep habits, which is sometimes called sleep hygiene, can be effective for some.
For people who suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, a condition that occur in narcolepsy, scheduled daily naps can be beneficial. For people who have insomnia, suffering through fitful or restless sleep, sleep restriction may help. This involves limiting the total time spend sleeping during the day so that sleep is stronger in the evening. For people with restless legs syndrome, basic stretching exercises can help relieve the symptoms.
Medical devices
Nasal pillow masks. Most people suffering from sleep apnea alternatively use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy instead of surgeries to alleviate their sleep disorder. This medical device is used with Resmed masks to maximize effectiveness and comfort. This nasal pillow masks are made with woven-mesh venting for quiet and unobtrusive sleep. It also comes in different sizes for easy fit.
Other non-medication treatments. There are also random non-pharmacological treatment options for people with sleep disorders. These include nasal strips for snoring, positional therapy for sleep apnea that happens only when the individual sleeps on his or her back, and playing didgeridoo for strengthening the upper airway as an alternative to CPAP.
Medication Treatments for Sleep Disorder
There are many medication treatments for different sleep disorders. This includes any prescription or non-prescription drugs. The most common drug people use are various sleeping pills. Generally, these treatments involve short-acting agents. These are used to prevent the onset of symptoms or even treat them once they develop.
Depending on the disorder’s nature, a person might be prescribed with sedatives (in insomnia cases) or stimulants (in sleep apnea or narcolepsy cases). Other type of medication targeting specific underlying issues of the disorder may also be utilized. Most of these require prescription, so talk with your doctor first. Melatonin may be used to treat circadian rhythm disorders or jet lag.
If you need treatment for your sleep disorder, you should start by speaking with your doctor or a board-certified sleep specialist to know the best course of action to help you sleep better.
