| abstract |
A method and device for treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, in which one or more sensors sense the onset of an episode of snoring or sleep apnea and cause production of an electrical stimulation signal consisting of a train of alternating pulses. The pulse intensity is ramped up from a low level to a level high enough to end the episode. The end of the episode is sensed and the stimulation signal is then ramped down or turned off. Therefore, while the intensity of the stimulation signal has become high enough to end the undesired episode, the intensity does not become higher than that needed for this purpose. Therefore, the stimulation signal is less likely to disturb the sleep of the person being treated. |