Overview

Sleep apnea means that you frequently stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer during sleep. It can be mild to severe, based on the number of times an hour that you stop breathing.

Blocked or narrowed airways in your nose, mouth, or throat can cause sleep apnea. Your airway can become blocked when your throat muscles and tongue relax during sleep.

You can help treat sleep apnea at home by making lifestyle changes. You also can use a CPAP breathing machine that keeps tissues in the throat from blocking your airway. You may use a mouth or nose device while you sleep to help keep your airway open. Surgery may be an option for some people. Surgery may be done to remove enlarged tissues that are blocking the throat.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Lose weight, if needed.
• Sleep on your side. It may help mild apnea.
• Avoid alcohol and medicines such as sleeping pills, opioids, or sedatives before bed.
• Don't smoke. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor.
• Prop up the head of your bed.
• Treat breathing problems, such as a stuffy nose, that are caused by a cold or allergies.
• Try a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) breathing machine if your doctor recommends it.
• If CPAP doesn't work for you, ask your doctor if you can try other masks, settings, or breathing machines.
• Try oral breathing devices or other nasal devices.
• Talk to your doctor if your nose feels dry or bleeds, or if it gets runny or stuffy when you use a breathing machine.
• Tell your doctor if you're sleepy during the day and it affects your daily life. Don't drive or operate machinery when you're drowsy.