Doctors Answers (3)
A sleep study is the beginning toward a "cure" for sleep apnea. The diagnosis and treatment recommendations will be derived from the results of the sleep study. Sleep Apnea often runs in families. The most effective treatment (not a cure) is CPAP therapy. This is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. There are surgical procedures which help some patients but I doubt you will find a doctor who will offer a cure. You should discuss all options with your doctor.
If you stop breathing repeatedly at night more than 5/hour then you have sleep apnea. If this is associated with oxygen desaturations then you are at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, worsening hypertension and diabetes and increased for accidents on the road as well as depression and the reduced quality of life this disorder brings. This disorder can be cured with nightly CPAP by using a continuous airflow to keep the upper airway from collapsing while you sleep and putting you at serious health risk.
It will help diagnose the nature of your sleep apnea and help your sleep doctor recommend the best kind of therapy which is usually a Continous Positive Airway pressure machine.
