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Treatments for Sleep Apnea

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The goal of treatment for sleep apnea is to decrease the frequency or completely eliminate episodes of breathing interruption.

Treatment may involve the following:

Lifestyle changesSurgeryOther treatments

A number of drugs have been investigated for use in treating sleep apnea. Modafinil has been used to reduce sleepiness in people with daytime sleepiness. Omeprazole is another medication that has been used to reduce the number of apnea attacks in those with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • NINDS sleep apnea information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/sleep%5Fapnea/sleep%5Fapnea.htm . Updated December 28, 2010. Accessed June 3, 2013.

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated May 23, 2013. Accessed June 3, 2013.

  • What is sleep apnea? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/SleepApnea/SleepApnea%5FSummary.html . Updated July 10, 2012. Accessed June 3, 2013.

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