Improvement in sleep apnea possible over time?

[sleepyboy]

I know weight loss can cause improvements in sleep apnea.
Surgery is sometimes helpful in curing sleep apnea.

Has anyone heard of sleep apnea improving (so that a lower CPAP pressure or NO CPAP is needed) WITHOUT surgery or weight loss? Any ideas what is the reason for improvement in these cases?

[ProfessorSleep]

I know of some cases in women that improved with the institution of hormone replacement therapy. Treatment of upper airway conditions may alleviate the need for therapy if the apnea is due to inflammatory restrictive changes in the membranes. Elimination of alcohol from the diet, or any foods that may provoke an allergic response (and thus cause inflammation of the membranes in the airway, etc.) might reverse a mild OSA. For the most part, t he medical literature presents it as a progressive condition that, at best, is stable or worsens with increasing age. At least that's my understanding of it.

[Colorado Jan]

I know I was able to get some improvement in my snoring by starting an exercise regime and improving my overall muscle tone. Note that I said "some" improvement. I currently am overweight...by some 70 pounds or so...but I exercise quite a bit. And I have severe sleep apnea with an AHI of 85. So much for that, huh?

Jan in Colo.

[Swordz]

Generally apnea tends to worsen the older we get. This is due to the weakening and loosening of muscles. Apneas are caused by some type of obstruction is the throat or nose, mostly being tongue and/or palate. As noted, these muscles get weaker and "sag" more as we age, therefore making the possibility of of apnea getting greater more likely than lessening.

Concerning lifestyle changes, such as no alcohol consumption, maintaining consistent sleep time, no caffiene, those can help @ any age.

Course I'm sure they'll come with a apnea "botox" that will make us all young and restful. Is it too late for me to become a plastic surgeon?