Traditional treatment for a host of symptoms related to inefficient or poor sleep are, of course, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, the use of humidifiers and maintaining healthy weight.
The effectiveness of these treatments is dependent upon the patient’s willingness to make what can amount to huge changes in their life – from improving their eating habits to increasing their daily activity levels.
These changes can be moderate or drastic, but they can be difficult for a large portion of people to make. So, the next step is often taken, and that step can be for a lifetime.
Enter the CPAP or Constant Positive Air Pressure machine. Prescribed as a treatment for severe cases as well as a last resort, the CPAP forces positive air into the lungs while sleeping to help the patient breathe while sleeping.
Air obstructions can be caused by numerous maladies. Excessive weight gain, damaged airways, and injuries can lead to physical damage and obstruction of nasal airways.
Although CPAP can be effective for patients, it misses the mark on the most important aspect of treatment – it does not treat the underlying cause of the problem.
The CPAP machine has helped millions of people sleep better. What is has not done is handle the actual, underlying cause or the symptoms.
Why?
Well, the CPAP device is not designed as a cure for sleep apnea. It simply treats the most common symptom. Of course, this comes with a host of drawbacks, including having the sleep with a bulky machine on your face, every single night.
And, having to travel with a CPAP, wherever you are, whether it be on a business trip, vacation or any other overnight trip.
What’s more, studies have shown that continual use of a CPAP machine causes the air pathway muscles to deteriorate over time as you rely on it.
When use of the CPAP device is discontinued, the symptoms of sleep apnea will return. Thus, to maintain some level of normal and restful sleep, a CPAP must be worn perpetually.