Treatment of Sleep Disorders
By Brandon Peters, M.D., About.com Guide to Sleep Disorders
With the improving recognition of sleep disorders, there is an associated increase in the variety of treatments available. These may include traditional therapies such as medical equipment or medications, as well as alternative therapies including surgery and behavioral modification. With a little education and perseverance, you can find the right treatment for you.
Medical Equipment
For some sleep disorders -- including sleep apnea -- medical equipment serves as the mainstay of treatment. This may include the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or a related therapy called bilevel. Learning to tolerate these treatments can sometimes be a struggle, but there are techniques that may help improve your success.
Surgery & Medications
Certain sleep disorders may be best treated with surgical interventions or medications. These options may not be the first choice, but with the failure of other treatments they may become necessary.
Alternatives
Aside from traditional therapies, many alternatives can effectively treat sleep disorders. These may include modifications in your sleep habits and using alternative medications.
