Alternative Therapies useful in treating sleep apnea

[Guest guest]

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsConditions/SleepApneacc.html#Alternative Complementary and Alternative TherapiesAlternative therapies may be useful in treating sleep apnea caused by allergies. Homeopathy and nutrition are most likely to have a positive effect. While many supplements are touted as good for weight loss, none have proved to be as effective as eating less and exercising more.NutritionDiet: Try eliminating mucus-producing foods (dairy and bananas) for two weeks, reintroducing them and noticing any difference.Essential fatty acids (EFAs) moderate inflammatory response, decrease allergic response; EFAs are found to be low in obese people.Chromium helps regulate insulin and decrease insulin resistance. Chromium may not be effective at burning fat, but it is effective at stabilizing blood sugar and decreasing sugar cravings.HomeopathyThere have been few studies examining the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. Professional homeopaths, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for sleep apnea based on their knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type. In homeopathic terms, a person's constitution is his or her physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.Arsenicum album — for respiratory disorders that worsen at night and are accompanied by fear, agitation, restlessness, weakness, and exhaustion Lachesis — for conditions that worsen while trying to sleep; this remedy is most appropriate for those who are intense, talkative, jealous, and may feel depressed (particularly in the morning); also may be frightened of going to sleep Opium — this remedy may be prescribed for individuals with sleep apnea and narcolepsy (inability to control falling asleep during the daytime); this remedy is appropriate for individuals who may be somewhat confused due to the sleep disorder Sambucus — for difficulty breathing at night; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who may have nasal obstruction or asthma and actually jump up out of bed with a feeling of suffocation Spongia — for respiratory symptoms that are worsened by cold air and lying down; this remedy is appropriate for individuals often feel a tightness in the chest area Sulphur — for chronic conditions accompanied by sleep disturbances and nightmares, especially if the individual also has skin rashes that become worse with heat; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who prefer cold temperatures and strongly dislike any kind of restriction AcupunctureMay be helpful in treating sleep apnea.Following UpSleep apnea is a serious condition that can cause fatal heart problems, so it's crucial to stick with your treatment plan. If you are using a mask and ventilator equipment, be sure to take care of them. Keep in contact with your health care provider or sleep clinic to make sure your treatment is working.Special ConsiderationsIf you are pregnant, you may have nasal congestion that makes you snore in a way that people with apnea do, but this is not apnea. If you have apnea and become pregnant, be sure to continue your treatment so that your condition will not affect your baby.Supporting ResearchCaldwell JP. Sleep: Everything You Need to Know. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books; 1997.Cummings S, Ullman D. Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1997: 237-239, 306, 320-321, 331-332.Dunkell S. Goodbye Insomnia, Hello Sleep. New York, NY: Carol Publishing Group; 1994Jonas WB, Jacobs J. Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors' Guide. New York, NY: Warner Books; 1996: 260-264.Lipman DS. Snoring From A to ZZZZ: Proven Cures for the Night's Worst Nuisance. Portland, Ore: Spencer Press; 1996.Morrison R. Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms. Albany, Calif: Hahnemann Clinic Publishing; 1993.Pascualy RA, Soest SW. Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Personal and Family Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Demos Vermande; 1996.Smolley LA, Bruce DF. Breathe Right Now: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Treating the Most Common Breathing Disorders. New York, NY: WW Norton & Co; 1998.Review August 1999Reviewed By: Participants in the review process include: Constance Grauds, RPh, President, Association of Natural Medicine Pharmacists, San Rafael, CA; Richard A. Lippin, MD, President, The Lippin Group, Southampton, PA; Sherif H. Osman, MD, President, Medical Staff Harford Memorial Hospital, Falston General Hospital, Bel Air, MD; Leonard Wisneski, MD, FACP, George Washington University, Rockville, MD. 2004 A.D.A.M., IncThe publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein. RELATED INFORMATION Conditions with Similar SymptomsView Conditions DrugsAcetazolamideClomipramineMedroxyprogesterone AcetateProtriptyline SupplementsChromiumOmega-3 Fatty AcidsOmega-6 Fatty Acids Learn More AboutAcupunctureHomeopathyNutrition