A member asked:
What's a good sleep aide (medicine) for someone with apnea, not on cpap, who's having more trouble than normal falling asleep? diagnosed ~ 6 years ago when ~225 pounds, but found cpap extremely annoying (felt like its pressure was blocking my breathing).
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Lina Fineanswered
Sleep Medicine 20 years experience
You : You may wish to try melatonin 3 mg but take it at least 1 hour before bed.
If you have sleep apnea, you may wish to consider alternative treatments for sleep apnea which is a conditions that is very important to treat. There a dental appliances specifically made for sleep apnea, surgical options, nasal expiration devices that you may wish to consider or perhaps a lower CPAP pressure. Discuss this with your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. G Funarianswered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 47 years experience
Agree : Agree with dr. Fine that an osa splint may provide some measure of relief. As you found out, weight loss can have a dramatic effect on the severity of the disease. Medications are generally not used in the treatment of sleep apnea because it can depress already compromised breathing.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 3, 2016
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