There are many devastating consequences for those who suffer from sleep disorders. This is why it is imperative to receive a diagnosis and to begin a treatment plan that can get you back on the road to receiving a good night's sleep. There are several treatments that can help to restore healthy sleep.
The treatment will depend on the diagnosis, the severity of the symptoms and the age of the individual who suffers from the sleep disorder. The doctor will be able to recommend several treatments such as bright light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), different medications, and Supplements including melatonin, which is a nutritional supplement. Oral appliances and surgery are also possible treatments.
Bright light therapy is used to treat those who are suffering from problems that relate to their "internal clock" and rhythm of sleep patterns within their body. Those who suffer from jet lag and advanced sleep phase will benefit from receiving bright light therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method that is taught that helps individuals to change habits, or thoughts that may hurt their ability to fall asleep.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a very commonly used machine that is used to treat individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. It blows a steady stream of air through a mask into the back of the throat that helps to keep the airway open so that the individual can breath more easily while asleep.
There are several medications that are used to help those with sleep disorders. Always tell your doctor and pharmacists about other medications and Supplements that you are taking before taking any sleep aids.
Melatonin is a nutritional supplement that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of those suffering from circadian rhythm sleep disorders such as those who frequently have to change work shifts, or those suffering from repeated jet lag or those who have delayed sleep phase.
Oral appliances can be effective and are used to protect teeth as well as to keep the airway open. Oral appliances include mouth guards and are used to treat bruxism, Snoring and also obstructive sleep apnea.
Surgery should be a last resort and must only be undertaken after other options are exhausted and only when careful consideration has been taken. This is an option if an individual is suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnea.
