--- title: Sleep Better, Live Better Blog | Treating Sleep Apnea description: Treating Sleep Apnea | Read the latest information about sleep and heath on our Sleep Better, Live Better. Blog. Los Angeles based Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. provides diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders with sleep centers located across Southern California. --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [Pot: An Alternative Treatment for Sleep Apnea?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/pot-an-alternative-treatment-for-sleep-apnea) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Nov 7, 2016 8:25:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/medical%20marijuana%20for%20sleep%20apnea.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/pot-an-alternative-treatment-for-sleep-apnea) Sleep apnea affects approximately 20 million Americans—nearly one out of every 16 people—and estimates show that sleep disorders affect over 40 million people in the United States alone. Sufferers are unable to achieve restful sleep, no matter how long they spend in bed. As a result, people with sleep apnea suffer from many negative health effects and conditions as a result of the strain on their body and mind. When left untreated, sleep apnea can significantly reduce a person’s health and quality of life. There are effective treatments for sleep apnea that are FDA approved and easily available; however, these therapies are challenging to use or prohibitively expensive. As a result, there are many alternative therapies that are gaining popularity as new research and technology are making them more effective. One such potential therapy is derived from a controversial substance: marijuana. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/pot-an-alternative-treatment-for-sleep-apnea) Topics: [Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea), [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea), [Sleep and Society](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) ## [The Skinny on Weight Loss as a Sleep Apnea Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/weight-loss-as-a-sleep-apnea-treatment) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Aug 9, 2016 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/losing-weight-treatment-for-sleep-apnea.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/weight-loss-as-a-sleep-apnea-treatment) **** Can weight loss cure [sleep apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/learn-about-sleep-apnea)?   There are clear connections between sleep apnea and other diseases such as [diabetes](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/is-there-a-link-between-sleep-apnea-and-diabetes) and [heart disease](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleep-apnea-and-the-heart) that are improved with weight loss.  How does weight loss affect sleep apnea? While studies have shown that losing weight decreases the severity of this sleep disorder, its may not completely eliminate the need for CPAP.   [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/weight-loss-as-a-sleep-apnea-treatment) Topics: [Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea), [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) ## [What is Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Therapy for Sleep Apnea?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/what-is-hypoglossal-nerve-stimulation-therapy-for-sleep-apnea) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Jul 12, 2016 7:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/Inspire_Therapy.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/what-is-hypoglossal-nerve-stimulation-therapy-for-sleep-apnea) While CPAP ([continuous positive airway pressure](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/pap-therapy)) therapy is the gold-standard therapy for [obstructive sleep apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/learn-about-sleep-apnea), we know that it isn't easy. Barriers to compliance with CPAP therapy include the discomfort of sleeping while wearing a mask, having air blown through your airway all night, the inconvenience of traveling with a CPAP machine and the cost of the machine and replacement supplies. While CPAP is the only therapy that is 100% effective (when used) for sleep apnea, many sleep apnea sufferers search for alternatives (we cover a few [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleep-apnea-treatment-options)). In this blog post we'll review an interesting option called hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy (HGNS). [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/what-is-hypoglossal-nerve-stimulation-therapy-for-sleep-apnea) Topics: [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea), [CPAP Alternatives](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) ## [How Does Sleep Apnea Impact the Brain? ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-does-sleep-apnea-impact-the-brain) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Feb 12, 2016 2:00:00 PM [![](http://img2.timeinc.net/health/images/health-news/brain-memory-mri-462.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-does-sleep-apnea-impact-the-brain) You’ve probably heard about the physical [side effects of sleep apnea, like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/health-effects-of-sleep-apnea). But [obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/types) can take as big a toll on the brain as it does on the heart. Changes in brain matter and damage to neurons caused by sleep deprivation can lead to memory loss and other complications. Recent studies have shown that sleep apnea also changes the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. What does this mean? **The good news is, this damage may be reversible.** [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-does-sleep-apnea-impact-the-brain) Topics: [Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea), [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea), [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) ## [Fred’s story: “CPAP treatment has extended my life”](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/freds-story-cpap-treatment-has-extended-my-life) Posted by [Lidia Lyssenko](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/lidia-lyssenko) Dec 16, 2015 9:00:00 AM [![Fred-sleep-apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fred.jpg?width=320&name=Fred.jpg "Fred-sleep-apnea")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/what-is-sleep-apnea)[Sleep apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/what-is-sleep-apnea) has been dubbed “a silent killer”: a sleep disorder that is often overlooked or unrecognized, it incurs increased risk of [road accidents due to drowsiness](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/driving-drowsy-vs-driving-drunk), [fatal heart disease](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/study-shows-treating-sleep-apnea-lowers-risk-of-cardiovascular-death-in-men), as well as a range of other [serious health is](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/health-effects-of-sleep-apnea)[sues](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/health-effects-of-sleep-apnea). Fifteen years ago, Fred was clueless to the cause of his [chronic fatigue](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-does-sleep-apnea-impact-the-brain), until his concerned wife sent him to a [sleep study](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleep-study-types). Had it not been for his timely treatment of sleep apnea, Fred’s life could have been shortened by the associated health risks, just like his forefathers'. In his own words: **“I wouldn’t be surprised if the last four generations of my family had gone through sleep apnea. They didn’t have the equipment I have now. It’s possible that sleep apnea shortened the lives of my ancestors.”** Today Fred L., 66, from Ojai, Ca. shares with us his story of the trials and benefits of treating sleep apnea. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/freds-story-cpap-treatment-has-extended-my-life) Topics: [Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea), [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea), [Sleep Studies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) ## [How does the Affordable Care Act Treat Sleep Apnea?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-affordable-care-act-treating-sleep-apnea) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Dec 7, 2015 5:30:00 PM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/Website_Redesign_Photos/ISABELLE-JUDY_MASK-219_smaller.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-affordable-care-act-treating-sleep-apnea)   The Affordable Care Act (also known as ObamaCare) rolled out in 2014. Since then, we've seen changes in how healthcare is administered by many insurance companies. Here's an overview of how sleep apnea testing in-center and in-home, PAP therapy and oral appliance therapy are affected by the Affordable Care Act.  [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-affordable-care-act-treating-sleep-apnea) Topics: [Health Insurance](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance), [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea), [Sleep Studies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies), [Economics of Sleep Medicine](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) ## [Is CPAP Forever? The Future of Sleep Apnea Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/is-cpap-forever-the-future-of-sleep-apnea-treatment) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Nov 14, 2015 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/CPAP-treatment.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/is-cpap-forever-the-future-of-sleep-apnea-treatment) ****** Many patients find the idea of having to wear a mask to sleep every night to be daunting. Fortunately, the field of sleep medicine is changing quickly, in ways that are making treatment more accessible, convenient, and patient-friendly. Most excitingly, better and more comfortable treatment options are being developed that could replace CPAP entirely--even as soon as the next couple years.  [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/is-cpap-forever-the-future-of-sleep-apnea-treatment) Topics: [Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea), [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea), [Sleep and Society](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society), [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) ## [Scared about Surgery? Treating OSA Decreases Postoperative Risk](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/treating-osa-decreases-surgical-risk) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Aug 22, 2015 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/sleep_apnea_increases_surgery_risk.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/treating-osa-decreases-surgical-risk) Having surgery--even a minor operation--is stressful. You want to make sure that everything goes according to plan for you or your loved one. Unfortunately, no surgery is without risk of complications. However, a new study points out an important way to reduce your surgical risk: treating your sleep apnea.  That's right: people who combated their sleep apnea with PAP (positive airway pressure) devices experienced fewer complications after having surgery than their untreated counterparts. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/treating-osa-decreases-surgical-risk) Topics: [Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea), [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) ## [Get your "Beauty Sleep": Sleep Makes you More Attractive](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/beauty-sleep-makes-you-more-attractive) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Aug 1, 2015 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/sleeping-soundly-beauty-sleep.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/beauty-sleep-makes-you-more-attractive) Step 1 in your new beauty routine: hit the sack earlier the night before! Research has proven that a good night's sleep makes you look healthier, happier, and--yes--more attractive. "Beauty Sleep" isn't just a silly cliché--it is backed up by solid evidence. This is especially important for people who suffer from [sleep apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/learn-about-sleep-apnea), because studies have shown that people who use a [CPAP machine](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/pap-therapy) are rated *more* attractive than people with untreated sleep apnea! [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/beauty-sleep-makes-you-more-attractive) Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits), [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea), [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment), [Sex and Sleep](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) ## [Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea: Which is it? (Guest Post)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleepbetterblog/snoring-vs.-sleep-apnea-guest-post) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Jul 18, 2015 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/file-2611736034-jpg/social-suggested-images/snoring-bed-parter-with-sleep-apnea.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleepbetterblog/snoring-vs.-sleep-apnea-guest-post) It's normal to snore occasionally – perhaps when you are suffering from a cold or after you’ve had a few drinks at a party before going to sleep. But what if you, like millions of Americans, snore regularly night after night? Are you suffering from a debilitating sleep disorder that can significantly affect all aspects of your life, or are you harmlessly sawing logs? [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleepbetterblog/snoring-vs.-sleep-apnea-guest-post) Topics: [Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea), [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea), [Sleep Studies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies), [Doctor's Opinion](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) [All posts](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/all) [Next](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea/page/2) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Sleep%20Better%2C%20Live%20Better%20Blog%20%7C%20Treating%20Sleep%20Apnea) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Ftreating-sleep-apnea%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - [Children and Sleep (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) - [Coffee (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/coffee) - [CPAP Alternatives (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) - [CPAP Supplies (9)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [CPAP Treatment (25)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) - [Diabetes (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Doctor's Opinion (4)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) - [Economics of Sleep Medicine (15)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) - [Good Sleep Habits (59)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) - [Health Insurance (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Heart Disease (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/heart-disease) - [Insomnia (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) - [Job-Related Sleep Disorders (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) - [Kids and Sleep (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) - [Narcolepsy (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/narcolepsy) - [Preparing for your sleep study (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-sleep-study) - [Sex and Sleep (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) - [Sleep and Exercise (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) - [Sleep and Society (41)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) - [Sleep Apnea (60)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [Sleep Business (3)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-business) - [Sleep Disorders (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [Sleep Studies (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [Telemedicine (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/telemedicine) - [Treating Sleep Apnea (29)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) - [Women and Sleep (14)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ### Most viewed posts ### Recent Posts **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  ### Subscribe to our blog: [![Twitter link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/twitter-865437-edited.png "Twitter link")](https://twitter.com/mysleepdr)[![Facebook link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/facebook-square-750598-edited.png "Facebook link")](https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedSleepMedicine)[![LinkedIn link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/linkedin-815276-edited.png "LinkedIn link")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-sleep-medicine-services-inc) ## Original photos by Francisco Crow [www.fc-images.net](http://www.fc-images.net) All rights reserved. Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.