😴 Sleep Apnea

Commonly prescribed medications, what to avoid, and lifestyle guidance

📋 Overview

Sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. CPAP therapy is the gold standard — medications play a secondary role.

💊 Commonly Prescribed Medications

CPAP machinePrimary Treatment (non-drug)

Gold standard. Most effective treatment. Requires fitting by a sleep specialist.

Modafinil / ArmodafinilWakefulness-promoting Agent

For residual daytime sleepiness despite CPAP.

Significant weight loss can dramatically improve or resolve OSA.

🚫 What to Avoid

Sedatives, sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, and opioids worsen sleep apnea. Alcohol before bed significantly worsens apnea.

🥗 Lifestyle Tips

Sleep on your side, maintain healthy weight, avoid alcohol within 3 hours of bedtime.

📋 Important Note

Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.