Does Sleep Apnea Ever Go Away on Its Own?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common types of sleep apnea and is characterized by blockage in your airway while you’re asleep. When it happens, your body is forced to wake up and normalize your breathing pattern, causing you to miss out on much-needed sleep! That said, this condition is quite serious and can lead to some severe health complications if left untreated. But does it ever simply go away on its own? Here’s more about sleep apnea and what can cause the condition, whether or not it can go away on its own, and what you can do to improve your symptoms.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can be caused by a variety of things, as there are many different factors that can influence the airway. It’s also often associated with chronic snoring! Some known possible causes include but aren’t limited to:

• Weight gain (excess fat around the neck or chest cavity).
• Underlying anatomy such as big tonsils or a large tongue.
• Sleeping on your back.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.

Does Sleep Apnea Go Away on Its Own?

Simply put, no—sleep apnea is not something that will clear up on its own. Even though the symptoms of sleep apnea can usually be treated, with the help of oral appliances or CPAP machines, sleep apnea itself is a chronic condition that cannot be cured entirely. Rather, it comes down to managing the symptoms and making lifestyle changes to lessen its effect on you. Human anatomy tends to remain fixed, especially after the teenage years. However, sleep apnea in children can sometimes be successfully cured if addressed early on, through means such as tonsil extraction or orthodontic therapy.

What Can I Do to Improve My Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

There are fortunately many things you can do to reduce the severity, or even the mere presence, of your sleep apnea symptoms. Consider the following:

• Seek treatment for your sleep apnea – If you’re able to receive a diagnosis from a sleep doctor, you can receive sleep apnea therapy that will help manage your symptoms and increase the quality of your rest.
• Manage your weight – Try to maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly and eating a healthy, vitamin-rich diet. Also avoid foods with excess amounts of sugar and drink plenty of water.
• Establish a bedtime routine – Try to limit the number of distractions that occur around bedtime, and make sure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature and darkness.
• Seek treatment for your allergies – If seasonal allergies are causing your sleep disruption, some over-the-counter allergy medicines can be used. You should also try to limit the amount of pet dandruff in your bedroom, if applicable—your furry friends can also trigger your allergies!

Your sleep apnea won’t simply go away on its own; but that doesn’t mean you’re helpless against it! Seeking treatment is the only way to manage your symptoms and protect yourself from the consequences of the condition.

About the Practice

Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh is proud to serve patients and families in the area under the leadership of three skilled specialists: Dr. Dan Rairigh, Dr. Joshua Culver, and Dr. Jacqueline Sumzin. If you have any questions about sleep apnea or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact the practice online or over the phone: (412) 854-2310.