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Sleep Apnea
Juggs
Posts: 495 ✭
My wife has been on me for about 5 years to have a sleep test because she believes I have sleep apnea. Like anything to do with doctors visits, I prefer to ignore it. I'm starting to get to the age where I need to make sure I stay on top of my health (42), and now that I have a couple of little girls my wife likes to remind me of this.
Knowing that I tend to hate the doctor, she asked me to schedule a Dr. appt to discuss seeing a sleep specialist. She told me she had a surprise for me if I did this.
So, a few days ago I scheduled the appt. She came home from work and gave me the following list to encourage me to go through with the entire procedure.
1. Make appt with Dr. - 5 1984 Donruss Baseball packs
2. Go to appt with Dr. and request specialist referral - 3 1988/89 Fleer basketball packs
3. Schedule appt with specialist - 3 1981 Topps football packs
4. Go to appt with specialist - 3 1979 Topps baseball packs
5. Schedule sleep test - 3 1984 Topps football packs
6. Do sleep test - 1 1981 Topps football vending box
7. See specialist for results - 1 1981 Topps football wax box
8. Begin prescribed plan - 1 mystery wax box.
All stuff from BBCE. Safe to say, I'm finally looking forward to my visit to the doctor.
Wanted to share with folks that would appreciate this. Also, if any of your wives are on you to do something, this might be a nice way for them to encourage you.
Knowing that I tend to hate the doctor, she asked me to schedule a Dr. appt to discuss seeing a sleep specialist. She told me she had a surprise for me if I did this.
So, a few days ago I scheduled the appt. She came home from work and gave me the following list to encourage me to go through with the entire procedure.
1. Make appt with Dr. - 5 1984 Donruss Baseball packs
2. Go to appt with Dr. and request specialist referral - 3 1988/89 Fleer basketball packs
3. Schedule appt with specialist - 3 1981 Topps football packs
4. Go to appt with specialist - 3 1979 Topps baseball packs
5. Schedule sleep test - 3 1984 Topps football packs
6. Do sleep test - 1 1981 Topps football vending box
7. See specialist for results - 1 1981 Topps football wax box
8. Begin prescribed plan - 1 mystery wax box.
All stuff from BBCE. Safe to say, I'm finally looking forward to my visit to the doctor.
Wanted to share with folks that would appreciate this. Also, if any of your wives are on you to do something, this might be a nice way for them to encourage you.
2
Comments
good luck with the doc
1. Your oxygen level temporarily drops (it can drop VERY low, if only briefly)
2. You don't sleep well. It is very important to reach and maintain REM sleep to have a healthy night's sleep vs. constant interruption.
3. OSA can drive your blood pressure up at a time when your body is most sensitive to stress (particularly 4AM-7AM in "normal" people).
4. Your wife probably isn't sleeping well either.
The treatment after a sleep test -- where they monitor you throughout the night -- is usually a CPAP machine (there are many types). They are used to be loud, noisy, and sometimes hot....but once you got used to the mask/nasal mask, people generally slept like a baby. It made a BIG difference.
The machines have progressed significantly in the last several years....they are much better tolerated now! They can be small, portable, and quiet. It just takes a bit to get used to the mask(s).
Sorry...just some encouragement. I've seen many people generally suffer until their sleep improved this way. There are more people using this than one might think!
1974: PSA 8 +
1975-1979: PSA 9+
<< <i>I'm not sure how much research you have done on OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), but it basically boils down to periods of not breathing (apnea) while sleeping punctuated with snoring/deep breathing; it is dangerous to overall good health for several reasons:
1. Your oxygen level temporarily drops (it can drop VERY low, if only briefly)
2. You don't sleep well. It is very important to reach and maintain REM sleep to have a healthy night's sleep vs. constant interruption.
3. OSA can drive your blood pressure up at a time when your body is most sensitive to stress (particularly 4AM-7AM in "normal" people).
4. Your wife probably isn't sleeping well either.
The treatment after a sleep test -- where they monitor you throughout the night -- is usually a CPAP machine (there are many types). They are used to be loud, noisy, and sometimes hot....but once you got used to the mask/nasal mask, people generally slept like a baby. It made a BIG difference.
The machines have progressed significantly in the last several years....they are much better tolerated now! They can be small, portable, and quiet. It just takes a bit to get used to the mask(s).
Sorry...just some encouragement. I've seen many people generally suffer until their sleep improved this way. There are more people using this than one might think! >>
Excellent info. I appreciate it.
My wife is a researcher by nature, so you can't imagine how many articles on Apnea I've read over the past few years. I'm actually looking forward to it....both for the health and the cards.
besides a clean bill of health, i guess.
I have had a CPAP machine for 6 years and it was one of the best things I ever did for my health. If you can breath through your nose when you sleep, try the nasal pillow type instead of a mask. It is a little soft piece that fits right up against both nostrils and it is very comfortable. Once I get it on, I can't even feel it. I go right to sleep and it stays on all night.
Shane
<< <i>Don't have a lot of time right now, but I will tell you this. GO GET THE TEST!
I have had a CPAP machine for 6 years and it was one of the best things I ever did for my health. If you can breath through your nose when you sleep, try the nasal pillow type instead of a mask. It is a little soft piece that fits right up against both nostrils and it is very comfortable. Once I get it on, I can't even feel it. I go right to sleep and it stays on all night. >>
+1
I HAVE to get the test. I need to know what the mystery box is! Is it bad that I'd rather have it be a box of cards than a slang way to describe my wife's anatomy?
<< <i>
<< <i>I'm not sure how much research you have done on OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), but it basically boils down to periods of not breathing (apnea) while sleeping punctuated with snoring/deep breathing; it is dangerous to overall good health for several reasons:
1. Your oxygen level temporarily drops (it can drop VERY low, if only briefly)
2. You don't sleep well. It is very important to reach and maintain REM sleep to have a healthy night's sleep vs. constant interruption.
3. OSA can drive your blood pressure up at a time when your body is most sensitive to stress (particularly 4AM-7AM in "normal" people).
4. Your wife probably isn't sleeping well either.
The treatment after a sleep test -- where they monitor you throughout the night -- is usually a CPAP machine (there are many types). They are used to be loud, noisy, and sometimes hot....but once you got used to the mask/nasal mask, people generally slept like a baby. It made a BIG difference.
The machines have progressed significantly in the last several years....they are much better tolerated now! They can be small, portable, and quiet. It just takes a bit to get used to the mask(s).
Sorry...just some encouragement. I've seen many people generally suffer until their sleep improved this way. There are more people using this than one might think! >>
Excellent info. I appreciate it.
My wife is a researcher by nature, so you can't imagine how many articles on Apnea I've read over the past few years. I'm actually looking forward to it....both for the health and the cards. >>
My wife thinks I have the same thing. And I know I snore terribly. If she would do this kind of reward system for me I would actually make an appointment. But until that happens I'll just continue to sleep downstairs. LOL
My small collection
Want List:
'61 Topps Roy Campanella in PSA 5-7
Cardinal T206 cards
Adam Wainwright GU Jersey
<< <i>hmmm. this may be a way to generate something positive out of a prostate exam.
besides a clean bill of health, i guess. >>
"Reward system" packs related to a prostate exam should probably be purchased off EBay, preferably from a zero feedback seller.
-CDs Nuts, 1/20/14
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*Clemente basic set: 85.0% complete, 7.89 GPA
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<< <i>My wife got on me about my sleeping issues- snoring, stopped breathing, waking up 30+ times per night. Went to an ENT, had a CT, then a major surgery on my nose that left me bed ridden for two weeks. I never knew what I was missing as far as smelling more, breathing clearly, and having good night's sleep. Worth the immense pain I was in for a few days after the procedure. >>
Interesting that you bring that up. I got my cpap in early 2006. However, I was born with a deviated septum so I could never breath good at all. The nose surgery greatly improved my cpaps effectiveness. Now, I sleep great and even breath much better while awake.
Shane
<< <i>
<< <i>My wife got on me about my sleeping issues- snoring, stopped breathing, waking up 30+ times per night. Went to an ENT, had a CT, then a major surgery on my nose that left me bed ridden for two weeks. I never knew what I was missing as far as smelling more, breathing clearly, and having good night's sleep. Worth the immense pain I was in for a few days after the procedure. >>
Interesting that you bring that up. I got my cpap in early 2006. However, I was born with a deviated septum so I could never breath good at all. The nose surgery greatly improved my cpaps effectiveness. Now, I sleep great and even breath much better while awake. >>
I was wondering about this for me as I had my nose broke in a high school basketball game. I never had any re-setting of the nose and now I've been told I have a pretty badly deviated septum that was likely the result of the break. Once I get the sleep test, and I'm assuming I end up with the CPAP, will I still need surgery to repair the deviated septum? I'm thinking if I do, more cards from the wife.
<< <i>
<< <i>hmmm. this may be a way to generate something positive out of a prostate exam.
besides a clean bill of health, i guess. >>
"Reward system" packs related to a prostate exam should probably be purchased off EBay, preferably from a zero feedback seller. >>
so i should double the pleasure?
I have sleep apnea myself.
I also wish you luck with a CPAP machine as well. I know several people that use them with no issues and swear they have never slept better. I tried for 4 months to get use to a machine and tried multiple masks. The longest I ever made it was 3 hours without tearing it off in my sleep.
It looks like I may have to look into some other options which I have been dragging my feet on.
The sleep study is nothing to worry about- they just connect some electrodes and monitors and then watch you sleep.
Proper treatment of OSA (besides making you feel better and sleep better) is very important though, because untreated OSA can lead to Pulmonary Hypertension (high pressures in the lungs) which can in turn cause chronic shortness of breath, chronic hypoxia, and right sided heart failure.
Good luck- both with the test and with the packs!!
Jeff
Card Country
Graded stars 1950's-1980
I sleep through the night, practically silently - and even have dreams again. Worth a shot....
Bosox1976
One small piece of advice. At first, the CPAP mask may take a little getting used to so what I did was to wear it while awake watching TV. Did this for about two days and I got used to it quick. Again, this made a huge difference in my sleeping.
Best of luck,
Bob
email bcmiller7@comcast.net
<< <i>I started going with the breathe-right strips (Extra) and it changed everything. My nose has been broken a few times (rugby,basketball), and just wasn't getting the flow.
I sleep through the night, practically silently - and even have dreams again. Worth a shot.... >>
Tried those....all they did was peel the skin off my nose and I had a scab on my face all the time.
Glad it's working for you though. I know a few other folks that have had luck with them.
<< <i>I aslo have Sleep Apnea. The best thing I did was go get the testing done. I had an "episode" of stopped breathing every 30 seconds!. The nurse woke me up in the middle of the night because it was so bad and had me put on the machine. The"episodes" went down to about 3 times a night. It made a huge difference.
One small piece of advice. At first, the CPAP mask may take a little getting used to so what I did was to wear it while awake watching TV. Did this for about two days and I got used to it quick. Again, this made a huge difference in my sleeping.
Best of luck,
Bob >>
Great advice. I'll tell me wife I need to watch football all day on a Saturday to "get used to the mask". Thanks Bob.
<< <i>I aslo have Sleep Apnea. The best thing I did was go get the testing done. I had an "episode" of stopped breathing every 30 seconds!. The nurse woke me up in the middle of the night because it was so bad and had me put on the machine. The"episodes" went down to about 3 times a night. It made a huge difference.
One small piece of advice. At first, the CPAP mask may take a little getting used to so what I did was to wear it while awake watching TV. Did this for about two days and I got used to it quick. Again, this made a huge difference in my sleeping.
Best of luck,
Bob >>
That is awesome advice. I have never heard of that. I really didn't need any help getting used to it. It was easy for me. But I will pass that advice on to anybody else that may need it.
Also, Juggs, if you have a deviated septum, ask your ear, nose, and throat specialist about it. If he thinks you need the surgery, it is WELL WORTH IT! I went for 32 years without breathing very good even while awake (imagine breathing with a piece of cotton up one nostril and having a pin hole in the cotton to breath out of - that was me all of my life). I was also constantly addicted to nasal sprays. After the septum surgery, I breathe better than I ever did even with nasal spray. Even 5 years later, sometimes I just stop and smile and think, "Wow, I can breathe!!!!!" I don't have to struggle with it any more.
The catch to the septum surgery is that it is an absolutely miserable week of recovery. You have 2 stints inside your nose. You have to breathe through your mouth for a week. Then, you blow "blood chunks" after the stints are removed for another couple of weeks. Even after all of that, I would do it again if I had to because it is well worth it. I cannot stress that to you enough.
I even had it more miserable than most because when they were doing the surgery and vacuuming the blood from my throat, the end of the vacuum piece literally cut my uvula. About 3 days after the surgery, I literally could not even hardly swallow water, it was so painful. I went back to the doctor and they looked and said, "Oops, we cut your uvula (the hangy down part in the back of your throat). No wonder you are in so much pain". After that healed, it was fine, but boy was it painful that week.
Shane
You have a deviated septum from your nose being broken and not being set, then YES, you probably need to get that fixed. When fixed, it will probably help. Will this fix your sleep apnea...only temporarily if at all I imagine.
When you have a sleep study it would be best to bring your favorite pillow. Also try and stay awake all day, as people that have sleep apnea...they tend to be tired as it usually takes them 10 hrs to get 8 hrs of sleep, d/t waking up constantly. They will hook you up with electrodes to your head, face, knee, and big toe. They monitor leg twitching and other body movements. They also put a O2 sat monitor on your finger to test your air supply. this is suppose to be between 95-100%. When I had my study, it fell to 77%, and the nurse came in to wake me up and put a C-pap mask on me. Continuous-Positive-Air-Pressure. It is also know for another acronym.
Anyway, I was told that if the sleep apnea goes untreated, that I could die in my sleep. Basically my heart was not getting enough oxygen and it was effecting my heartbeat along with my thinking clearly and other things. Those were the 2 biggest problems I had. No oxygen effects everything from you toes to your head.
Anyway, you get the picture. Also I'm sure your Wife is not getting enough sleep. So she will be happy when you get taken care of.
Let me know if you have any questions as I will try and help. Everyone on here has given you good advice.
Take care, Paul.
Later, Paul.
Shane
<< <i>I started going with the breathe-right strips (Extra) and it changed everything. My nose has been broken a few times (rugby,basketball), and just wasn't getting the flow.
I sleep through the night, practically silently - and even have dreams again. Worth a shot.... >>
Yup, that's me too. Breathe right strips did the trick. Broke my nose skateboarding as a teenager, and never got it set.
They work really well when you're stuffed up too. And make it easier at the dentist.
Just whatever you do, don't wear one after you get your nose sunburned. You'll remove a good bit of skin in the morning.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
<< <i>I have sleep apnea. Was diagnosed 13 years ago. I tried the c-pap machine and just couldnt do it. Do the machines still require water? I was wondering if someone might share a photo of one of the newer machine and mask. Im sure they have come along way in 13 years. My girlfriend wears ear plugs almost every night. >>
I don't have a picture. Mine is 6 years old and they are much smaller now. Yes, mine has a water tank. It helps to keep the air moist. If you snore that loudly, you definitely need to have a sleep study. Give it a shot. I like the idea of watching TV a few nights to get used to it. Do whatever it takes to get used to it and you will be thankful.
Shane
It all stemmed from a sever tracheal infection I had at the age of 9 that stunted my trachea's growth and caused a lobe of flesh to close off my airway when reclined beyond 120 degrees. My machine is programed to provide 14 cmh20 of constant airflow via a nasal mask. The positive effects were so immediate that I never had a problem wearing the headgear...I simply felt too good to care. As a child, my family always laughed that I would sleep sitting Indian style with pillows stacked in my lap to keep my trunk upright. I'd also prop myself up in front of an AC vent and fall asleep. We now realize I was simply combating my tracheal deformity by preventing myself from reclining and attempting to apply positive pressure to my nasal passages. I don't snore however, I gasp for air with a deep wheezing sound.
Immediately after obtaining my CPAP, I started dropping the weight and felt like a person again. I'll never go back...though, my machine is nearly a decade old, so I fully suspect I'll have to have another sleep study in the near future.
To answer the comment about the machines with water; today's machines are much smaller but work on the same premises. Most machines from the late '90s/early '00s only had the distilled water chamber as an option to combat drying of the nasal passages. My machine has the attachment, but I haven't used it since the first full night of sleep I had with the CPAP. Too much water collected in the nasal mask, so I just use the dry air.
<< <i>People tell me it sounds like I am dying/choking to death while sleeping or snore like a dinosaur. Thanks to this thread I realize it could be more of an issue than just annoying to others and plan on getting it checked out. >>
Please...if you care about your health at all...get it checked. You will be glad you did.
Wow! O2 levels dropping to below 50%? You weren't kidding. 10 years? You would probably be dead by now. Glad you got the machine.
Shane
<< <i>I have sleep apnea and I am a nurse. Maybe I can help you with a few ???'s
You have a deviated septum from your nose being broken and not being set, then YES, you probably need to get that fixed. When fixed, it will probably help. Will this fix your sleep apnea...only temporarily if at all I imagine.
When you have a sleep study it would be best to bring your favorite pillow. Also try and stay awake all day, as people that have sleep apnea...they tend to be tired as it usually takes them 10 hrs to get 8 hrs of sleep, d/t waking up constantly. They will hook you up with electrodes to your head, face, knee, and big toe. They monitor leg twitching and other body movements. They also put a O2 sat monitor on your finger to test your air supply. this is suppose to be between 95-100%. When I had my study, it fell to 77%, and the nurse came in to wake me up and put a C-pap mask on me. Continuous-Positive-Air-Pressure. It is also know for another acronym.
Anyway, I was told that if the sleep apnea goes untreated, that I could die in my sleep. Basically my heart was not getting enough oxygen and it was effecting my heartbeat along with my thinking clearly and other things. Those were the 2 biggest problems I had. No oxygen effects everything from you toes to your head.
Anyway, you get the picture. Also I'm sure your Wife is not getting enough sleep. So she will be happy when you get taken care of.
Let me know if you have any questions as I will try and help. Everyone on here has given you good advice.
Take care, Paul. >>
Thanks Paul. I appreciate the words of advice. My nose is fairly clear most of the time. I don't think I would need surgery to open the nasal passages, so I'd probably be alright without the surgery. I hope.
I'm glad to hear that you got it under control.
<< <i>
<< <i>I aslo have Sleep Apnea. The best thing I did was go get the testing done. I had an "episode" of stopped breathing every 30 seconds!. The nurse woke me up in the middle of the night because it was so bad and had me put on the machine. The"episodes" went down to about 3 times a night. It made a huge difference.
One small piece of advice. At first, the CPAP mask may take a little getting used to so what I did was to wear it while awake watching TV. Did this for about two days and I got used to it quick. Again, this made a huge difference in my sleeping.
Best of luck,
Bob >>
That is awesome advice. I have never heard of that. I really didn't need any help getting used to it. It was easy for me. But I will pass that advice on to anybody else that may need it.
Also, Juggs, if you have a deviated septum, ask your ear, nose, and throat specialist about it. If he thinks you need the surgery, it is WELL WORTH IT! I went for 32 years without breathing very good even while awake (imagine breathing with a piece of cotton up one nostril and having a pin hole in the cotton to breath out of - that was me all of my life). I was also constantly addicted to nasal sprays. After the septum surgery, I breathe better than I ever did even with nasal spray. Even 5 years later, sometimes I just stop and smile and think, "Wow, I can breathe!!!!!" I don't have to struggle with it any more.
The catch to the septum surgery is that it is an absolutely miserable week of recovery. You have 2 stints inside your nose. You have to breathe through your mouth for a week. Then, you blow "blood chunks" after the stints are removed for another couple of weeks. Even after all of that, I would do it again if I had to because it is well worth it. I cannot stress that to you enough.
I even had it more miserable than most because when they were doing the surgery and vacuuming the blood from my throat, the end of the vacuum piece literally cut my uvula. About 3 days after the surgery, I literally could not even hardly swallow water, it was so painful. I went back to the doctor and they looked and said, "Oops, we cut your uvula (the hangy down part in the back of your throat). No wonder you are in so much pain". After that healed, it was fine, but boy was it painful that week. >>
That surgery sounds brutal. Sorry you had to live through the recovery, but glad it was worth it.
I think I'm ok as my deviated septum doesn't seem to hinder my air ways at all. I'll likely get it checked out, but I'd be pretty nervous to get the procedure done based on your story alone.
I keep a 75 Aaron cello on my night table..
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
If you don't have any problems breathing through your nose, then DO NOT have the surgery. Yes, the recovery was brutal, but worth it for me.
Shane
<< <i>For those of you that had trouble with your mask and gave up on CPAP, you should really try again. There are many health issues that come from sleep apnea, so it makes no sense to ignore it. It took me six months and probably 8 masks before I found the setup that works for me. Now that it does, I would never give it up. CPAP technology has evolved a lot recently and the latest mask is the nasal pillow, and is what I use. It's tiny and only took a short amount of time to get used to it. Do a google search for it and you'll see from the pictures how it works. >>
+1 for the nasal pillow.
By the way, I keep checking this thread and I keep posting because I have a passion for this topic. It has helped me so much that I just want to pass on any encouragement and information that I can so it will help others.
Shane
looking for 1988 Fournier estrellas stickers , 1985 Prism Jewel stickers , anything Jesse Owens .
<< <i>Did your wife actually come up with the specific packs/boxes? That's impressive if she did. My wife wouldn't know where to start. >>
I email her "wish lists" for my birthday and Christmas every year. My birthday is in two weeks, so I had already sent her the list. She compiled it from that. For the "mystery box" she said she got the idea when we were at a show in Glendale two years ago. She noticed what I was buying and knew I'd like it.
For the life of me, I can't remember what I was buying at that show.
I'll say again if I didn't already, that your wife sounds like the world's best!
A couple more things that our friend's have hit upon, is that if you have trouble sleeping with the mask they try out for you, you may need a different one, as there are hundreds of these. Also I used to take mine off in my sleep as I wasn't used to it, and gave up. I kept waking up several times a night with it in my hands. I had to go back to it because I too was sitting up Indian style in bed with pillows and blankets so I could stretch out my Lungs, Trachea and Larynx, and get a better "Flow". It ended up taking me over 2 months to get used to it.
This really is one of the most important threads we have ever had on this board.
Paul.
Later, Paul.
<< <i>Really...your wife has been on you for 5 years....likely because you keep her up at night. That should have been enough motivation...years ago. Her bribing you with cards is sad. >>
Very sad, no doubt. She also has to bribe me to go to work every day with cards, otherwise I just revert to my desired occupation of couch sitting, twinkie eating fat man.
<< <i>Really...your wife has been on you for 5 years....likely because you keep her up at night. That should have been enough motivation...years ago. Her bribing you with cards is sad. >>
Speaking of sad...It is sad that not even 1 decent thread can survive w/o a rude comment from someone who has nothing positive to add.
Later, Paul.
<< <i>
<< <i>Really...your wife has been on you for 5 years....likely because you keep her up at night. That should have been enough motivation...years ago. Her bribing you with cards is sad. >>
Speaking of sad...It is sad that not even 1 decent thread can survive w/o a rude comment from someone who has nothing positive to add. >>
+1
I have had a major snoring problem for the past 5 years. It's been so bad for the past 3 years that I've been sleeping downstairs. This thread has actually made me consider getting tested. I would LOVE to wake up refreshed in the morning. And if my wife would bribe me like this I would go tomorrow. LOL
My small collection
Want List:
'61 Topps Roy Campanella in PSA 5-7
Cardinal T206 cards
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<< <i>I started going with the breathe-right strips (Extra) and it changed everything. My nose has been broken a few times (rugby,basketball), and just wasn't getting the flow.
I sleep through the night, practically silently - and even have dreams again. Worth a shot.... >>
+1 for me too. Been using the Target brand of the strips and they have worked like a dream. *pun intended*
Family members or bed partners often pick up on the signs of sleep apnea first. Many people with sleep apnea don't know they're snoring and gasping for breath at night. If you have any of the following signs, see your doctor:
* daytime sleepiness
* loud snoring followed by silent pauses
* gasping or choking during sleep
* morning headache
* irritability or mood changes
* poor concentration or memory loss
* lowered sex drive
* falling asleep while driving
Snoring by itself doesn't necessarily mean that you have sleep apnea. It is true that loud snoring is common in people with this disorder, but there's a big difference between simple snoring and sleep apnea.
***Untreated sleep apnea can cause serious health problems. *** If it's not treated, sleep apnea can lead to:
* high blood pressure
*stroke
*heart attack
*motor vehicle collisions
*depression
*decreased sexual function
*work-related injuries
Treatment
There are easy and effective treatments for sleep apnea. Your treatment will depend on whether your sleep apnea is mild, moderate or severe. Your doctor can help you choose the best treatment for you. The most common treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP involves wearing a special mask that keeps the throat open and stops the snoring and pauses in breathing.
The key is to confirm whether you have sleep apnea so you can start treatment. If you have any of the signs and symptoms listed above, see your doctor. Your doctor may send you for overnight testing at a sleep disorder centre where your condition can be studied thoroughly. You may also be required to do some home tests.
*Lifestyle changes* - like losing weight and exercising - can reduce sleep apnea symptoms and can also help reduce other risk factors for heart disease and stroke. If you have mild sleep apnea, some lifestyle changes may get rid of the symptoms altogether. Here are some of the things you can do:
*Lose weight*
Being overweight is a risk factor for sleep apnea. If you're overweight, ask your doctor for advice on how to lose weight safely. Weight loss of just 10 per cent - that's equal to 20 lbs for a 200 lb man - can greatly reduce the number of sleep apnea episodes that happen each night.
*Get moving*
Exercise isn't just a great way to maintain a healthy body weight, but also contributes to healthy sleep. (Try not to exercise for at least three hours before bedtime. A hard workout right before bed might actually cause trouble sleeping.)
*Stop smoking*
Smoking can make sleep apnea symptoms worse because it can irritate your throat and make you cough at night. Stopping smoking will also give you more energy for everyday physical activities.
Stick to a regular sleep schedule
Going to bed and waking up at roughly the same times every day helps you to get the right kind of sleep. You need to experience the full cycle of deep- and lighter-stage sleep to feel well rested. A regular sleeping schedule also prevents you from getting overtired, which can make sleep apnea symptoms worse.
*Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills*
If you have trouble sleeping, try a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea or juice instead of unwinding with a glass of wine. Alcohol and certain medications (sleeping pills and some pain medications) can make throat muscles relax more than normal. As a result, airways can get blocked. Alcohol and medications can also make it harder for your brain to "wake up" and register a lack of oxygen in the body. This can cause longer and more serious pauses in breathing. If you find it hard to fall asleep, try reading a book or taking a warm bath.
*Sleep on your side*
Sleeping on one side instead of sleeping on your back can help to improve sleep apnea symptoms. Sleeping on your back lets gravity pull on the tissues at the back of your throat and neck. This can cause the upper airway to become narrow or collapse completely. You can "train" yourself to sleep on you side by:
* putting pillows against your back to prop yourself on your side.
* using the 'tennis ball trick'. Sew a pocket onto the back of your pajama top and put a tennis ball in it. If you start to roll to your back during sleep, the pressure from the ball will make you roll back to your side.
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Rgs, Greg M.
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<< <i>On the CPAP machine for 3 days now. Wife says I havent snored since I got on it. I think its working because I havnt had that feeling where Im just tired all day and want to sleep the day away. I will say that the mask is gonna take a while to get used to though! >>
What kind of mask?
Shane