Several lifestyle changes can be done as part of your sleep apnea treatment. These changes are especially effective in the treatment of OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) Even a few simple changes can dramatically affect the severity and frequency of your episodes.  Whatever your sleep specialist has recommended you can always try these lifestyle changes alongside whatever treatment they have prescribed.  Aside from helping with your sleep apnea, these lifestyle changes can simply improve your overall health which is always a bonus.

The number one lifestyle change that can improve and sometimes completely treat sleep apnea is weight management.  Achieving your ideal weight helps remove layers of fat from your airways.  This makes the airways larger so more oxygen can get through and lessens the chance of collapsing during sleep.
The number two lifestyle change is to quit smoking and using tobacco products.  Smoking causes fluid to be retained and inflammation in the throat and airway.  This reduces the chances of obstruction.   The third lifestyle change would be avoidance of alcohol and sleeping pills.  Sleeping pills and alcohol causes the muscles to loosen and relax which can block the airways.  Maintaining a regular schedule in your day, including when you sleep will improve your relaxation and help you fall asleep quicker.

There are some changes you should consider in your bedtime routine that can make a difference in your sleep apnea.  By sleeping on your side, you are allowing gravity to assist in keeping your tongue in the right position so it will not fall back into your throat and block the airway.  
The most common sleep apnea treatment today that is offered by sleep professionals is the CPAP machine which stands for continuous positive airway pressure.  The CPAP machine keeps the airway open, and you need to go through a complete sleep study before your sleep specialist would recommend use of the CPAP machine.

Surgery is one sleep apnea treatment alternative that is sometimes recommended in severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea.   The job of the surgeon is to increase the size of the airways by removing what is in the way.

Another sleep apnea treatment option is the oral appliance.  This is a small dental appliance that is worn each night during sleep. These have proven to be very successful for cases of mild to moderate sleep apnea and especially for the overweight or obese patient. The device can sometimes be stopped once the weight is lost. The various types of small dental appliances available today are somewhat similar and their job is to keep the airway open and improve breathing. You can find a local dentist treating sleep apnea by calling 1-800-SLEEPTEST or by clicking here.