Sleep Apnea Treatment

Question by Rachel: Can obstructive sleep apneas go away?
I did an at home sleep test to check for sleep apnea. I had an average of 8.6 obstructive apneas per hour; central apneas were 8.3 per hour and mixed were 6.8 per hour. My AHI was 37.1. So it seems clear I have (had) a problem with sleep apnea. FYI, I lost my insurance right after the test was done but before I was able to meet with a doctor.

This was last summer. Since then, I have moved and lost a bit of weight (although not more than 10 lbs). Why moving might be important: If my problem seems to have been primarily obstructive sleep apnea, and I don’t have allergies in my new home along with a bit of weight loss, could that explain why I no longer have problems?

Also, I have an anxiety disorder and I read they normally don’t want you to take xanax before sleep because it can depress the system even more. However, on the occasions I take it before bed, I sleep better and without apneas (at least as noticed by my significant other). Is this normal or can it be explained? Thanks for your help in advance.

Best answer:

Answer by Ivey J
Obstructive sleep apnea does not just go away. The obstruction is cause by your anatomy (fat bulge, tongue, etc) and has nothing to do with your allergies. However loosing weight can help shrink the obstruction. Another thing that could help is if you have changed the position in which you sleep. Sleeping on your side could help decrease apnea’s and sleeping a little more elevated could also help. It all depends on what is causing the obstruction.

What do you think? Answer below!

And why is there so much of it now days? We never heard of it before.
My throat closes when I lie down.
I’ve been through all the sleep study thing. CPAP is 9. Gained weight and got diabetes from drug routine.

Husband was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2006. He lost 80 pounds,hd his oxygen checked weekly and stopped using cpap because he felt he was cured. He has gained some weight back and complains about not sleeping well.