I had a sleep apnea test last week at a sleep lab and I want YOU to consider getting tested, too. I was wired up from the crown of my head to my ankles and then told to go to sleep. It seemed like it would be impossible, but I did fall sleep, albeit uncomfortably, until 5 AM when I was told I could go home.
Live a Long Healthy Life Without Regrets
I do want YOU to have a long healthy life without regrets and that’s why I’m writing about this. Aging Gracefully with Sleep Apnea would be an oxymoron because vitality and quality of life are diminished when sleep apnea is left untreated.
Indicators of Sleep Apnea
Have you been told that you snore or make choking noises in your sleep?
Do you feel consistently fatigued and unrested during the daytime?
Do you recall waking up gasping for air in the night?
Sleep apnea is such a serious problem that it’s worth your time and money to get checked out.
Some people stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep and they don’t even know it. Nonetheless, it’s taking a toll on the brain and the rest of the body because of the lack of oxygen.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are two types of problems:
- The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea. The airway becomes blocked while when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.
- The other is called central sleep apnea. If you have this type, the brain sometimes fails to tell the muscles to breathe because of an issue in the respiratory control center.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can be affected – even children. The risk factors that are most commonly listed are:
- Being male
- Having excess weight
- Older than 40 years
- Having a large neck (greater than 17 inches for men, 16 inches for women)
- Having large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jawbone
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Nasal obstruction (deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems)
What Happens When Left Untreated?
The effects of sleep apnea, when left untreated, are a higher risk of health problems. Adults need to know if they stop breathing in the night. Otherwise, here’s a shortlist of increased risks:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Worsening of ADHD
- Headaches
Besides the above, fatigue from sleep apnea is sometimes the cause of auto accidents and clumsiness. Marriages suffer, as well.
My friends, this condition is treatable. People have told me the difference in after treatment is more than they expected; it’s a life-changer.
Show articles on sleep apnea to your spouse and say, “SEE this, honey, YOU need to get checked out!”
Share your thoughts in the comment box below…
If you’re presently being treated for sleep apnea, please share your experience about whether you feel better since being treated so you can encourage others in our community to do the same.
What would make you resist getting tested?
Read more about sleeping better.
Written by Kathryn Eyring
Hmm…. Are there new c-PAP machines that are easier to use? Mine is so cumbersome. Just hate the marks the mask and strap leave on my face.
That’s a great question! Let me see if I can find an expert to talk about this!
CPAP machines have come a long way along with mask types. I had a very hard time when I got my first one. Mask didn’t fit correctly and I almost stopped using it until I found a specialized Dr. through MEDI-CARE and my machine has a heated water reservoir along with a heated hose if I want to use water or I can use dry. I got away from the mask and was using nose buds that fit up against the nasal openings and finally went with the nasal cushion that lays under the nose. The new machines have auto start up and ramp up times and auto shut off. I also purchased the SO-CLEAN cleaning system because washing the hose and mask daily/weekly is a real pain in the A**. It is well worth the $$ vs the hassle. It can be programed or run manually.
Thank you. I need to check that out!
Let me knows how it comes out
Kathryn good info my brother’s sleep apnea is real bad. Everyone should be aware of it. Plus I would like to sign up for your advisory board I would be willing to help with anything. Thanks for all your hard work. Pat
Sorry to hear about your bro’s sleep apnea and I hope he’s getting treated! So happy you want to help as an Advisor!
Good for you Kathryn! I’m a retired RN from MetroHealth, where I worked many years in Stroke Rehabilitation. We think of obvious risk factors for stroke such as smoking history, blood pressure, cardiac history. But Obstructive Sleep Apnea is another, very modifable risk factor, that is a big one noted in medical literature that is linked to strokes! If you think you or a loved one may have OSA, do yourself a favor and have it checked out.
Hi Sylvia, thank you for adding encouragement. Yes, what a waste if we don’t do what we can to keep ourselves healthier!