What Can Be Done for Sleep Apnea? 10 Natural and Medical Solutions That Actually Work

If you wake up gasping for air, feel exhausted despite a full night in bed, or have been told you snore like a freight train, you may be one of the millions of people struggling with sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring—it’s a serious breathing disorder that disrupts sleep, strains your heart and brain, and increases the risk of chronic conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and memory loss.

The good news? Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed or suspect you may have it, there are a variety of effective treatments for sleep apnea—and not all of them involve a CPAP machine.

In this blog, we’ll break down what causes sleep apnea, the symptoms to watch for, and 10 proven strategies—from conventional to holistic—to improve breathing, sleep quality, and long-term health.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep, causing oxygen levels to drop and the brain to jolt the body awake.

The two main types are:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Caused by physical blockage of the airway (most common)
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Caused by the brain not signaling the muscles to breathe properly (less common)

Most people with sleep apnea experience dozens to hundreds of interruptions per night, often without realizing it.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Loud, chronic snoring
Gasping or choking during sleep
Waking up tired, even after 7–9 hours in bed
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
High blood pressure
Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to get evaluated—untreated sleep apnea can have serious health consequences over time.

What Can Be Done for Sleep Apnea? 10 Effective Treatments

1. CPAP Therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

The gold standard for moderate to severe OSA, a CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep.

While effective, many people find CPAP machines uncomfortable or difficult to use long-term.

➡️ If CPAP isn't working for you, don’t give up—there are alternatives.

2. Oral Appliance Therapy (Dental Devices)

Custom-made dental devices, also called mandibular advancement devices, reposition the jaw and tongue to prevent airway collapse.

They are ideal for mild to moderate OSA or for those who can’t tolerate CPAP.

➡️ Benefits: Portable, quiet, no electricity required
➡️ Best fitted by a trained sleep dentist or specialist

3. Fotona NightLase® Laser Therapy

A cutting-edge, non-invasive laser treatment, NightLase® gently tightens the soft tissues of the throat and airway using photothermal energy—reducing snoring and airway obstruction.

✅ No surgery
✅ No downtime
✅ Painless with lasting effects after a series of treatments

Offered at Sheen Vein and Cosmetics, NightLase is an excellent option for those looking to treat sleep apnea without a device or invasive procedure.

4. Weight Loss and Body Composition Support

Excess fat around the neck and tongue increases the risk of airway collapse. In fact, even a 10% reduction in weight can significantly improve symptoms of OSA.

Functional medicine approaches weight loss holistically by targeting:

Insulin resistance
Hormonal imbalances
Inflammation
Sleep and stress

5. Nasal Breathing Optimization

Blocked nasal passages force mouth breathing, which worsens sleep apnea. Addressing nasal congestion, deviated septum, or chronic sinusitis can help restore proper airflow.

Options include:

Nasal strips or dilators
Allergy treatments
Nasal irrigation
Structural interventions if needed

6. Myofunctional Therapy

This involves targeted exercises for the tongue, jaw, and throat muscles to improve airway tone and reduce obstruction during sleep.

It’s especially helpful for:

Mouth breathers
People with weak or low tongue posture
Children with sleep-disordered breathing

7. Positional Therapy

Some people only experience sleep apnea when sleeping on their back. Positional therapy encourages side-sleeping using specialized pillows or wearable devices.

➡️ Simple, cost-effective, and great for positional OSA

8. Surgical Options (When Necessary)

In some cases, structural issues like enlarged tonsils, deviated septum, or excess throat tissue require surgical intervention.

Common procedures include:

UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty)
Inspire® (implantable device for nerve stimulation)
Nasal or jaw surgery

Surgery is usually a last resort when other therapies have failed.

9. Nutrient Support and Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

Chronic inflammation can narrow the airway, and certain nutrient deficiencies (like magnesium or vitamin D) may worsen muscle tone and sleep quality.

Functional nutrition strategies include:

An anti-inflammatory, low-glycemic diet
Omega-3 fatty acids
Magnesium glycinate
Antioxidants like glutathione and quercetin

10. Sleep Hygiene and Stress Reduction

Stress raises cortisol, which disrupts breathing patterns and sleep architecture. Supporting your circadian rhythm is a critical piece of the puzzle.

Try:

Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily
Limiting screen time 1–2 hours before bed
Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or progressive relaxation
Avoiding alcohol and heavy meals before bed

Functional Medicine Approach to Sleep Apnea

At Sheen Vein and Cosmetics, we go beyond the CPAP machine. We address the root causes of your sleep-disordered breathing by evaluating:

Structural airway concerns
Body composition and inflammation
Hormones (especially cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone)
Nutrient status
Sleep environment and lifestyle habits

Our goal is to build a personalized sleep apnea protocol that helps you breathe better, sleep deeper, and wake up energized.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Live With Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition—but it's also highly treatable. Whether you’re already using a CPAP machine or looking for alternatives, there are safe, effective solutions that can dramatically improve your sleep, brain function, energy, and long-term health.

Still tired even after 8 hours in bed?
Don’t settle for poor sleep or one-size-fits-all answers. At Sheen Vein and Cosmetics, we combine cutting-edge laser technology, lifestyle strategies, and holistic care to help you breathe—and live—better.

📞 Book your consultation today and find out what can be done for your sleep apnea.

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