Do you often wake up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Does your partner mention loud snoring or pauses in your breathing during the night? If so, you may be among the millions of Americans living with sleep apnea—a serious yet treatable condition that affects your breathing and overall health.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night. These pauses can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur hundreds of times per night. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which happens when the throat muscles relax and block the airway.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and daytime fatigue, among other complications.
How To Get Tested for Sleep Apnea
Best Sleep Apnea Home Test
If you’re experiencing symptoms like loud snoring, daytime drowsiness, or choking during sleep, it’s essential to get tested. While sleep studies at a lab (polysomnography) are still the gold standard, home sleep apnea tests (HSATs) are a convenient and effective option.
Top-Rated Home Sleep Apnea Test Kits in the U.S.
- WatchPAT One – An FDA-approved, disposable test that connects to your smartphone.
- SleepImage Ring – A wearable ring with a detailed companion app for results.
- Lofta Sleep Test – A popular mail-order option with easy setup and online physician review.
Most home tests monitor breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate during sleep, and results are typically reviewed by a board-certified sleep doctor.
Sleep Apnea Online Doctor
If you’re looking for a remote evaluation, many U.S. telehealth providers now offer consultations with online sleep doctors.
- Interpret your home sleep test results.
- Prescribe CPAP devices or recommend Inspire Therapy.
- Offer ongoing treatment and support.
Popular platforms include Lofta, Sleep Care Online, and Prisma Health Virtual Visits.
How To Qualify for Inspire Sleep Apnea Therapy
Inspire is an FDA-approved treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that involves a small device implanted in the chest to stimulate the airway muscles during sleep.
Qualifications for Inspire Therapy
- Be diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
- Have tried and failed CPAP therapy or be CPAP-intolerant.
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 32 or lower (some clinics accept up to 35).
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Undergo a drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) to confirm you’re a good candidate.
If you meet these criteria, your sleep specialist or ENT doctor can refer you for evaluation.
How To Get Rid of Sleep Apnea
While some people need long-term treatment, others can reduce or eliminate their sleep apnea through lifestyle changes and targeted therapies.
Common Treatments
- CPAP Therapy – The most effective non-surgical treatment for OSA.
- Inspire Therapy – For those who can’t tolerate CPAP.
- Weight Loss – Losing even 10-15% of body weight can significantly reduce symptoms.
- Positional Therapy – Sleeping on your side can help keep the airway open.
Surgical Options
- UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) – Removes excess tissue from the throat.
- Jaw advancement surgery – Moves the jaw forward to open the airway.
How To Prevent Sleep Apnea
While not all cases of sleep apnea can be prevented, there are proactive steps you can take to lower your risk.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Obesity is a leading risk factor.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed – These can relax airway muscles.
- Quit smoking – Smoking increases inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway.
- Establish a regular sleep schedule – Sleep deprivation can worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
Natural Remedies for Sleep Apnea
For those looking to complement medical treatments or explore gentler approaches, there are some natural remedies to consider.
1. Nasal Breathing Aids
- Nasal strips or dilators can help open nasal passages.
2. Herbal Supplements
- Valerian root and chamomile may promote relaxation and sleep quality.
3. Throat Exercises (Oropharyngeal Exercises)
- Daily exercises to strengthen the tongue and throat muscles can reduce apnea episodes.
- Example: Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth and slide it backward 20 times.
4. Humidifiers
- Using a room humidifier can ease breathing by adding moisture to dry air.
5. Essential Oils
- Peppermint and eucalyptus oils may help open airways when diffused or inhaled.
Take the First Step: Get a Sleep Apnea Test
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, the first and most crucial step is to get tested. Whether you choose a home test or see an online doctor, early diagnosis is key to protecting your health and quality of life.