Sleep Disorder Treatments

patient consulting for sleep disorder treatment

At the Pulmonary Institute in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Mariselly Medina will not only diagnose your sleep disorder, but also develop an effective treatment plan specific to the sleep disorder you have. There are a number of treatments available, including breathing equipment and prescription medications to improve your sleep hygiene. To find out which treatment is right for you, call Dr. Medina at (407) 219-5936, or use our request an appointment form.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, particularly for moderate to severe cases. CPAP entails wearing a device over the nose and mouth or only over the nose during sleep. The device is connected to a small machine that creates airflow and gentle air pressure to keep the airway open and prevent airway blockages that interrupt breathing.

Oral Appliances

For snoring or mild cases of sleep apnea, or for those who cannot use CPAP, an oral appliance may be an effective treatment option. This appliance holds your jaw bone forward while you sleep, which helps reposition your tongue, soft palate, or uvula to keep them from blocking the airway. If you are a candidate for an oral appliance, Dr. Medina will refer you to a dental specialist.

Surgery

When CPAP or oral appliances are not effective in treating mild cases of snoring or sleep apnea, surgery may be required to correct an anatomic deformity and alleviate breathing problems. The most common surgical procedures reduce or remove tissue from the soft palate, uvula, tonsils, adenoids or tongue. If you need surgery for snoring or sleep apnea, we will refer you to an otolaryngologist.

Insomnia Medications

There are a number of medications that can be prescribed for insomnia. Some have longer-lasting effects than others. Depending on your particular problem and its severity, Dr. Medina may recommend a prescription medication, such as Ambien, Lunesta, Rozerem, Sonata, Silenor, or a benzodiazepine or antidepressant.

Sleep Hygiene and Lifestyle Changes

Good sleep hygiene involves avoiding bad habits that contribute to poor sleep and making lifestyle changes that can help you get a good night’s sleep. To help you fall asleep and stay asleep, you should:

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
  • Avoid napping during the day
  • Go to bed only when sleepy; if you cannot fall asleep, get up and engage in a quiet activity until you feel sleepy
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy, spicy, or sugary foods 4 to 6 hours prior to bedtime
  • Use the bed only for sleeping and sex – do not read, watch TV, spend time on your laptop or tablet, or eat in bed while trying to fall asleep
  • Exercise every day, but not within 2 hours of bedtime
  • Lose weight if you are overweight (it can improve or eliminate snoring and sleep apnea)
  • If you have sleep apnea, sleep on your side instead of your back