Change position, sleep well

Hyderabad: Treatment options in the early stages of sleep apnea involves not sleeping on the back, changing sleeping positions, avoiding alcohol and smoking and also reducing weight.

Various sleep studies conducted from 2009 till 2015 have shown that changing sleeping positions helps improve breathing. Hence people are advised to not sleep on one side all night.

Dr K.C. Praveen, a sleep specialist, said, “We have found cases where a minimum of lifestyle change has helped improve sleep. Hence it’s important to keep one’s weight under control, avoid sleeping pills and also not to sleep in awkward positions, which will affect the breathing pattern.

Sleep on sides and change thrice in the night so that breathing is easy. That will help sleep better.” In extreme cases of sleep apnea, minimally invasive procedures to reduce and stiffen the soft tissues of the soft palate are carried out.

A senior doctor said, “These procedures have been effective in treating snoring but long term effect will be known only in a few years.”