Final answer:
Sleep apnea treatments include lifestyle changes, use of CPAP machines, positional therapy, oral devices, and in severe cases, surgery. For central sleep apnea, supplemental oxygen or medications may be used.
Step-by-step explanation:
Therapeutic strategies used to treat sleep apnea vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. For obstructive sleep apnea, lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol can be beneficial.
Additionally, positional therapy such as elevating the upper body or sleeping on one's side can prevent airway collapse. A commonly prescribed treatment is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers pressurized air through a facial mask to keep the airway open. Alternative oral devices may reposition the jaw to also help maintain an open airway. In severe cases, surgery may be considered to remove obstructive tissues. For central sleep apnea, which is caused by the brain's inability to send the correct signals to muscles that control breathing, treatments may include supplemental oxygen or specific medications.