A European epilepsy drug, sulthiame, may soon offer a new treatment option for people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a recent study presented at the European Respiratory Society's annual meeting in Vienna. The study shows promising results, suggesting that sulthiame could be a viable alternative to existing treatments like CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines.Researchers from the Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden conducted a clinical trial involving nearly 300 patients across multiple European countries, including Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, and the Czech Republic. These patients, who were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, were not using mechanical aids like CPAP machines or oral appliances during the study.Three-fourths of the participants were administered varying doses of sulthiame, while the remaining patients took a placebo. Remarkably, the trial revealed that those taking the highest dose of sulthiame experienced a 40% to 50% improvement in their nighttime breathing compared to those on the placebo. Additionally, sulthiame recipients reported less daytime sleepiness, a common symptom of untreated OSA.Sulthiame, primarily used in Europe to treat epilepsy, appears to work by increasing blood levels of phenytoin, a known anticonvulsant. Researchers believe the drug’s impact on sleep apnea comes from its ability to inhibit an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase, which activates upper airway muscles, helping to maintain open airways during sleep.Like any drug, sulthiame is not without side effects. Some participants in the trial experienced mild to moderate issues such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, and a tingling sensation known as “pins and needles.” However, these side effects were considered manageable compared to the benefits reported.Lead researcher Jan Hedner emphasized the potential of sulthiame for people who struggle with current sleep apnea treatments. “This suggests that sulthiame could be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, especially for those who cannot tolerate existing mechanical treatments like CPAP machines,” Hedner said. However, further trials are necessary before sulthiame can be widely accepted as a sleep apnea treatment.Sophia Schiza, head of the European Respiratory Society meeting and a professor of respiratory and sleep medicine at the University of Crete, also expressed optimism about the findings. "The results are promising. We need to continue testing sulthiame and other treatments to understand their long-term effects, including any side effects," Schiza noted. Importantly, these findings are preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.While sulthiame offers hope for a future medication-based solution, it is essential to remember that currently, no drug completely replaces mechanical treatments like CPAP or BPAP.Effective Tips to Manage Sleep Apnea Without MedicationsUntil medications like sulthiame are widely available, many individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) manage their symptoms through non-pharmaceutical methods. Here are some effective tips to manage OSA without relying on medication:1. Weight Management: One of the leading causes of sleep apnea is being overweight. By reducing weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise, individuals can significantly decrease the severity of sleep apnea. Fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing, so weight loss can help keep the airway open during sleep.2. Positional Therapy: Sleep apnea symptoms can worsen when lying on your back. Try sleeping on your side to keep your airways more open. Special pillows and devices are available to encourage side-sleeping.3. Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances can relax the muscles of your throat, exacerbating sleep apnea symptoms. Limiting their intake, especially before bed, can reduce the frequency of breathing pauses during sleep.4. Maintain Good Sleep Hygiene: Consistent sleep patterns and a conducive sleep environment can improve overall sleep quality. Establishing a regular sleep routine, avoiding screens before bed, and creating a quiet, dark sleeping space can be beneficial.5. Regular Exercise: Beyond helping with weight loss, regular physical activity can strengthen the muscles involved in breathing and improve overall respiratory health. Exercises targeting the muscles of the throat and upper airway can help keep the airways open.6. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: Using a higher pillow or an adjustable bed can help reduce airway blockages, making it easier to breathe at night.While sulthiame offers a promising future treatment for sleep apnea, there are currently several ways to manage the condition effectively.