Sleep Apnea

If any of you think you may have sleep problems I urge you to ask your physician about a sleep study

This is my 51st year working with sleep apnea as a Respiratory Therapist and I have sleep apnea myself and at first I thought my sleep problems were panic attacks when I would wake up frightened and gasping for breath. Sleep anpea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the United States, affecting as many as 18 million Americans. I do not know about other countries but I guess it is close because countries do not make any difference. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a host of other health issues. Here's some facts about sleep apnea:

About 1 in 50 are undiagnosed

Sleep apnea untreated are at four times higher risk of stroke and three times higher risk for heart
disease

On average, someone with sleep apnea stops breathing over 10 seconds 60 times per hour each night

Men are twice as likey than women to have sleep apnea

People who have Asthma have a 40% higher chance of developing sleep apnea

80% of patients say they do not use their CPAP machine enough to be safe which is 70% of a 30 day period. This means you have to use it at least 4 hours each night. Insurance will not cover the cost of the sleep apnea machine, oxygen, supplies etc unless you are compliant-this is where I can help

Individuals 60 years old and older usually need heated humidification and oxygen

The only reliable way your physician can tell if you have sleep apnea is to order a sleep study for you

Common symptoms are feeling tired during the day, falling asleep while driving or sitting in a quiet place, snoring and constant waking during the night

If you are experiencing difficulty tolerating CPAP or BiPaP I can help