How Is Central Sleep Apnea Treated?
If central sleep apnea is associated with some other condition, such as congestive heart failure, that condition is treated. Some of the more conservative treatments for obstructive sleep apnea would likely benefit people with central sleep apnea as well. Some of these conservative treatments include: • losing weight if necessary, and then maintaining a healthy weight • avoiding the use of alcohol and sleeping pills, as these items make the airway more likely to collapse during sleep • sleeping on your side if you have apneic events when sleeping on your back, possibly using pillows or other devices to keep you in place • using nasal sprays or breathing strips to keep air flowing if you have sinus problems or nasal congestion • avoiding sleep deprivation Another treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which is the preferred initial treatment for most people with obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment has been beneficial in people with central sleep apnea, as well. This
