Published on: 6/12/2025
What is sleep disordered breathing and how is it treated?
Sleep disordered breathing is when a person has trouble breathing while sleeping, like snoring or stopping breathing for a bit. It can be treated with lifestyle changes, devices to help with breathing, or sometimes surgery.
Explanation
Sleep disordered breathing is a condition where a person has trouble breathing during sleep. This can include loud snoring or pauses in breathing, which are common signs of a condition called sleep apnea. These breathing problems can make it hard to get a good night's sleep and can affect how you feel during the day.
Treatment Options:
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Losing weight if needed
- Sleeping on your side
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking
- Devices:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A mask worn over the nose or mouth that helps keep airways open.
- Oral Appliances: Devices worn in the mouth to help keep the throat open.
- Surgery:
- Sometimes surgery is needed to remove tissue blocking the airway or to fix other problems in the nose or throat.
These treatments can help improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms. If you think you might have sleep disordered breathing, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional for advice and possible testing.
(References)
- Foldvary-Schaefer NR, & Waters TE. (2017). Sleep-Disordered Breathing. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 28777178.
- Panossian L, & Daley J. (2013). Sleep-disordered breathing. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 23385696.
- Mohammadieh A, Sutherland K, & Cistulli PA. (2017). Sleep disordered breathing: management update. Internal medicine journal, 29105265.
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