Sleep apnea may be treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which keeps the upper respiratory airways open during sleep. CPAP is a small air compressor and a mask that is worn during the night to ensure that the sleeper continues to breathe. Although the long-term effects are unclear, treatment of sleep apnea by CPAP was shown to acutely decrease blood pressure during sleep; a number of studies have shown that blood pressure is lowered after starting CPAP. While CPAP is the definitive treatment, it may be poorly tolerated by patients. Another non-surgical method of treatment is the use of oral devices that change the position of the jaws and tongue during sleep.

As a final resort, sleep apnea may be treated with surgery. Uvulopalatopharngoplasty (UPPP) reshapes the uvula and soft palate and removes excess tissue from the throat area of sleep apnea patients.

Because of the close association between body weight and sleep apnea see our Truestar Weight Loss Plan. If you are at risk of diabetes, see the Truestar supplement plan for healthy blood sugar balance. Finally, for risk associated with cardiovascular health, see the Truestar supplement plan for heart health. Your supplement plan, used in conjunction with your Truestar nutrition and exercise plans, will significantly reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as reduce the symptoms or severity of sleep apnea or snoring. Exercise is essential to reduce blood pressure, improve your body’s response to insulin, maintain a healthy body weight and reduce stress.