None — BACKGROUND: Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Several types of sleep apnea exist, but the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. The most noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring, although not everyone who has obstructive sleep apnea snores. Anyone can develop OSA, although it most commonly affects older adults. It's also especially common in people who are overweight. (SOURCE: www.mayoclinic.com)
NEW TREATMENT: Provent Sleep Apnea Therapy is a new clinically-proven treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea and related snoring that does not require a machine, mask, or medications. Provent Therapy is discreet, disposable, and simple to operate. Provent uses a proprietary MicroValve design that creates pressure when you exhale to keep your airway open. The device works much like CPAP therapy, except instead of an external machine, your own breathing creates the pressure that keeps your airway open. Like CPAP, it needs to be worn every night to effectively relieve symptoms of OSA. Provent Therapy may take some getting used to but many say it’s worth it. In as little as three nights, you could be sleeping more quietly and peacefully. (SOURCE: http://www.medstarsurgical.com)
NATURAL PREVENTIONS: There are other ways to prevent sleep apnea without having to wear anything while you sleep. By maintaining a healthy body weight you can help reduce some of the constriction on your throat. You can help to prevent sleep apnea from developing in the first place by doing your best to maintain a healthy weight. If you consume alcohol or take certain medications before you go to bed, this could be triggering sleep apnea or make it worse. Your sleep position is also important with sleep apnea – try to sleep on your side. Sleeping on your back can increase snoring. Also, lifestyle changes come into play; if you smoke, stopping can help prevent this disorder. Staying fit and exercising can also help prevention. (SOURCE: www.livestrong.com)