How is EDS due to Sleep Apnea treated?

There are treatments available that can help you feel more awake during the day.
When every day is a struggle to stay awake, finding a treatment that works can be a top priority. If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), there are many things you can do to combat your Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS). Everyone's medical needs are different. It's important to work closely with a doctor to find an option that's right for you.
daytime treatments to help treat excessive daytime sleepiness related to OSA icon
Medications for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Wake-promoting agents
Prescription medications that help you feel awake during the day
Stimulants
Over-the-counter medicines or products, such as caffeine

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Learn more about a prescription medication that may be right for you.
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Non-medication ways to improve OSA icon
Ways to improve obstructive sleep apnea that aren't medications
Medical devices and procedures
These options can help keep the airway open at night.
  • CPAP* machine
  • Dental appliances to move the lower jaw and tongue
  • Surgery on the upper airway, nasal passages, or jaw
  • Positional therapy
  • Devices to stimulate nerves that control muscles in the upper airway during sleep
 
Lifestyle changes
  • Losing weight
  • Avoiding alcohol and sedatives
  • Quitting smoking
Your doctor knows you best. People living with OSA may see a variety of physicians who can diagnose Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, including neurologists, sleep specialists, pulmonologists, psychiatrists, or primary care physicians. As with any medical condition, every person's needs—and what will work for them—are different.

Ask your doctor which treatments are right for you.

If you are taking care of your sleep apnea but still feel exhausted during the day, tell your doctor you're ready to do more. There may be other treatments available.
 
Stay up to date on news and information about Excessive Daytime Sleepiness due to Sleep Apnea.
REMEMBER: Make sure your doctor has a complete picture of your mental and physical health. Bring a list of all of your medications and health concerns with you to your next appointment.
*CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure.
Throughout this site, we refer to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as sleep apnea. This site does not address Central Sleep Apnea.