Treatment of Sleep Disorders
By Brandon Peters, M.D., About.com Guide
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.
- What is CPAP?
- What is BiPAP?
- Sleep Apnea and CPAP
- How to Choose a CPAP Mask
- Nasal Pillows
- Prevent Mouth Breathing on CPAP
- Chinstrap Use and CPAP
- Living With CPAP
- Airport Security and CPAP
- Oxygen Therapy in Sleep Apnea
- Oral Appliances for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
- Tongue Stabilizing Device for Sleep Apnea
- How Do Nasal Dilators Improve Snoring?
- Light Box Therapy
- How to Use a Light Box for Phototherapy
- Phototherapy for Insomnia
- How to Choose a Light Box
- Side Effects to Light Box Therapy
- What is My Sleep Number?
- What is a Neti Pot?
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.
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for Sleep Apnea
- Tracheostomy in Sleep Apnea
- Ritalin
- Provigil
- Nuvigil
- Sleeping Pills Overview
- Benzodiazepine Medications for Insomnia
- Nonbenzodiazepine Medications for Insomnia
- Melatonin
- How to Take Melatonin
- Ambien
- Trazodone
- Lunesta
- Sonata
- Restoril
- Silenor
- Rozerem
- Prazosin for Nightmares
- Melatonin for Insomnia
- Intermezzo
Alternatives

Aside from traditional therapies, many alternatives can effectively treat sleep disorders. These may include modifications in your sleep habits and using alternative medications.
- Guidelines for Improving Sleep Habits
- Sleep Apnea Alternatives
- Alternative Insomnia Treatments
- Relaxation and Biofeedback for Insomnia
- Stimulus Control for Insomnia
- Sleep Restriction for Insomnia
- Aromatherapy for Insomnia
- Circadian Rhythm Insomnia Treatment
- Insomnia Treatment Option: Chronotherapy
- Insomnia Treatment Option: Cognitive Therapy
