Treatment for sleeping disorders at OhioHealth Sleep Centers is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Our sleep disorder treatments include the following: 

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy

CPAP is a machine that helps keep airways open by preventing the throat from blocking air movement to the lungs. This sleep disorder treatment works by continuously applying pressurized air, usually through the patient's nasal passage to keep it open.

The CPAP includes a small machine that pumps air through the tubing and a mask that covers the mouth or nose. During a study at the Sleep Diagnostic Center, technicians may awaken a patient to try the CPAP system, if a sleeping disorder such as sleep apnea is suspected. Patients are always told about this possibility beforehand.

Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy

BiPAP uses a machine that flows bilevel pressurized air into the patient's airway only when needed to keep it open. During inspiration, high level pressure is blowing into the airway to keep it open. During expiration, the pressure drops to a lower level to make the patient exhale easily but at the same time keeps the airway open.

The machine treats sleeping disorders by monitoring breathing patterns and is triggered by periods of sleep apnea. The BiPAP system includes a machine to pump air through the tubing and a mask that covers the mouth or nose.

Sleep Disorder Medications

In some cases prescription medications may be effective forms of sleeping disorder treatment.

Alternative Sleeping Disorder Treatments

Leading a healthy lifestyle can help promote a good night's sleep; it can even be an effective sleep disorder treatment. For example, eating a healthy diet, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine near bedtime, and getting regular exercise during the day – but not right before bed. Other good "sleep hygiene" practices include

• Setting regular bedtime and wake-up times
• Removing the television set from the bedroom and using the bedroom just for sleeping or quiet reading
• Avoiding naps during the day
• Starting relaxing, before-bed habits, such as a bath, a glass of warm milk or some light reading.