Sleep Apnea Health Article

Prognosis

The combination of behavioral changes, ventilation assistance, drug therapy, and surgery allow most people with sleep apnea to be treated successfully, although it may take some time to determine the most effective and least intrusive treatment. Polysomnography testing is usually required after beginning a treatment to determine how effective it has been.

Prevention

For people who snore frequently, weight control, avoidance of evening alcohol or tranquilizers, and adjustment of sleeping position may help reduce the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.

BOOKS

Becker, Barbara. Relief From Sleep Disorders. Dell, 1993.

Chokroverty, Sudhansu. Sleep Disorders Medicine. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1994.

Fairbanks, D., and S. Fujita. Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. New York: Raven Press, 1994.

Pasqulay, Ralph, and Sally Warren Soest. Snoring and Sleep Apnea. 2nd ed. New York: Demos Vermande, 1996.

ORGANIZATIONS

The American Sleep Apnea Association. 1424 K St. NW, Ste. 302, Washington, DC 20005. (202) 293-3650. <http://www.sleepapnea.org>.

National Sleep Foundation. 1522 K St., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005. (202) 785-2300. <http://www.sleepfoundation.org>.

OTHER

WAKE-UP CALL: The Wellness Letter for Snoring and Apnea. Available from the American Sleep Apnea Association.

Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment Page. <http://www.ccohta.ca>.

"Sleep Apnea: There Is An Alternative." American Sleep Apnea Association. Video.

"What Is Sleep Apnea?" American Sleep Apnea Association. Video.

Richard Robinson

KEY TERMS

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)—A ventilation system that blows a gentle stream of air into the nose to keep the airway open.

Polysomnography—A group of tests administered to analyze heart, blood, and breathing patterns during sleep.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)—An operation to remove excess tissue at the back of the throat to prevent it from closing off the airway during sleep.