Surgical operations to treat sleep apnoea can lead to a better night’s sleep and less drowsiness during the day, according to a new study.
The research, which was carried out in the USA, found that surgery greatly reduced the common side-effect of daytime sleepiness, when compared with other non-surgical treatments for the disorder.
Sleep apnoea occurs due to the collapse of the airway in the throat during sleep, which can hamper breathing.
It can lead to loud snoring or periodic pauses in breathing, disrupting sleep and causing excessive drowsiness during the day.
The study assessed 40 people who underwent surgery to improve their symptoms. The results showed that 38 of the participants reported that their general level of daytime sleepiness was significantly reduced.
The predominant treatment for sleep apnoea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy during sleep, which uses a machine to increase air pressure in the throat to prevent the airway from collapsing. These new findings suggest that CPAP therapy isn’t the only treatment option, and that surgery can also be of benefit for people with the disorder.