Sleep Disorder Treatments
“The solution isn’t sleeping pills,
which just covers up the problem and does little to resolve it.”
~ Dr. Ezenwa
Dr. Innocent Ezenwa and the team at MelioREM Sleep Clinic often compare their efforts to identify the cause of a sleep disorder to that of a detective trying to solve a crime – and no stone is left unturned in the search for clues!
The good news is that most sleep disorders can be effectively treated.
Most people who seek our help will undergo an overnight sleep study, either at home or at one of our partner sleep labs – or both. A sleep study involves recording your vital signs while you are asleep. This includes eye movements; brain, muscle, and heart activity; blood oxygen levels; and breathing patterns. The results are then analyzed for signs of a sleep disorder. Additional diagnostic tools may also be utilized, including a nap test, sleep diary, blood or urine tests, and more.
If you are diagnosed with a sleep disorder, we work with you and your loved ones to create a customized treatment plan unique to you. We incorporate follow-up visits to monitor your progress and so we can make any adjustments to the treatment plan, as needed. We also offer telehealth appointments to make sure you get the advice and guidance you need wherever you are to get the good night's rest you deserve.
How Sleep Disorders Are Treated
Sleep disorders can be treated in a variety of ways, and we have access to them all to make sure you get the treatment you need. These sleep disorder treatments include:
Behavior modification is a type of psychotherapy that aims to change unhealthy or problematic behaviors by teaching new, healthier habits. It has been found to be effective in treating a variety of different conditions, including sleep disorders.
There are several different techniques that can be used in behavior modification for sleep disorders, but they all share the common goal of helping the individual develop healthier sleep habits. This may involve changing bedtime routines, setting regular sleep schedules, and avoiding stimulating activities before bed. In some cases, relaxation techniques or cognitive behavioral therapy may also be used to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
While behavior modification may not cure a sleep disorder outright, it can help to significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for those who struggle with sleep problems.
CPAP therapy can be very effective in treating sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. It can help improve sleep quality and reduce daytime fatigue. In some cases, it may even help improve your heart health.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that does not require the use of a CPAP machine. A small device is implanted under the skin and delivers mild stimulation to the airway muscles, keeping them open during sleep.
Your hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy device is controlled remotely with just a click of a button and is programmed by your physician. Adjustments can be made as needed even after insertion. This treatment is a good option for people who have tried CPAP and were unable to tolerate it or were unable to achieve adequate compliance. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy may also be an option for people with moderate to severe sleep apnea and not candidates for surgery.
Bright light therapy is used to reset the body's natural sleep cycle.
This can be done by exposing yourself to a bright light first thing in the morning, which tricks the body into thinking it is daytime and therefore time to wake up.
Bright light therapy can also be used in the evening to delay the onset of sleep, though this is less common. This is done by exposing yourself to bright light for a period of time before bedtime, which delays the production of melatonin (the hormone that makes you feel sleepy).
In some cases, bright light therapy may also be used to treat jet lag. This is done by exposing yourself to bright light at strategic times during your journey, which can help to reset your body's clock and reduce the effects of jet lag.
There are various medications and supplements that can be used to treat sleep disorders. Some common medications include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, sleeping pills, supplements, and many more.
If you are considering using any of these treatments, it is important to speak with a sleep specialist like Dr. Ezenwa at MelioREM Sleep Clinic first to determine if the medication or supplement is right for you and to ensure it is taken safely.
There are several surgical procedures that can treat sleep disorders.
The most common type of surgery for sleep disorders is called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, or UPPP. This procedure involves removing the soft palate and tissues at the back of the throat. It is often used to treat snoring and sleep apnea.
Orthognathic surgery is a corrective jaw surgery also used to improve breathing in people with sleep apnea. Orthognathic surgery can help by widening your airway or changing your jaw's position, so your tongue doesn't block your airway. The surgery aims to improve sleep and reduce snoring or other sleep apnea symptoms.
Other types of surgery that may be used to treat sleep disorders include tracheostomy, tonsillectomy, and adenoidectomy.
Surgery is usually only considered when other treatment options have failed.
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for good health, but it can be challenging to achieve if you struggle with your weight. As a result, losing weight can be an essential step in improving your sleep quality. Although we do not provide weight management services at MelioREM Sleep, we are happy to refer our patients to reputable resources that can help them reach their goals.
There are a number of strategies that can help with weight management, including exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding processed foods. By making some simple lifestyle changes, you can improve your sleep quality and overall health. You can attain long-lasting results just by working with a provider during your weight management journey.
If you are struggling to lose weight, please talk to our healthcare professionals about what options are available to you. Getting a good night's sleep is a vital part of living a healthy life, and we want to help you achieve that goal in any way we can.
Sleep Disorder Treatment in Reno Sparks, NV
We work closely with our patients all over Nevada including Elko County to find the perfect solution for each of them. Our goal is always to help you achieve optimal sleep – because we believe that better sleep is better living.
To find out what your sleep disorder treatment options are, call the sleep medicine specialists at MelioREM Sleep Clinic in Reno Sparks, Nevada, at (775) 557-4900. You can also request an appointment now. We offer in-person and telehealth appointments.
