Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a condition that although very common, is often not diagnosed. Patients with sleep apnea stop breathing for short periods while they sleep. This may occur several hundred times a night. Although it can affect anyone including children, it is most common in overweight males, 40 years and older. It is estimated that between 12 and 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, although many of them are undiagnosed.

There are three types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually by the soft tissue in the rear of the throat
Central occurs when the brain does not send a signal to the muscles to breathe
Mixed is a combination of the above two.

Whatever the cause, the result of very poor quality, fragmented sleep is the same. If not treated, secondary problems such as heart disease, stroke, memory problems, headaches, and high blood pressure may develop. Sleep apnea may cause problems for people in their ability to do their work, and may be the cause of many automobile accidents.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is snoring and breathing difficulty while sleeping. Often the person with sleep apnea is not aware of it and a family member may first recognize the problem. In addition, sufferers may fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as when driving, working, or talking during the day.

Treatment

A polysomnography test, which measures a variety of body functions while the patient is asleep, and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) that measures how quickly a patient falls asleep are used in the diagnosis of sleep apnea. These are done in sleep centers where the patient spends the night.

Four main treatment therapies can be used.

BEHAVIORAL ADJUSTMENTS can sometimes eliminate the problem in some patients. Some of these changes may include the elimination of smoking, drinking alcohol, or using sleeping pills. For some patients even a small (ten percent) reduction in their weight may help significantly. In addition, having the patient sleep on their side (with the use of special pillows, if needed) can also bring relief.

OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION does not cure sleep apnea but may relieve some symptoms

MECHANICAL THERAPIES such as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) involve wearing a mask during sleep that forces air through the nasal passages. Some patients (especially those with a snoring problem) benefit from the use of a specially made dental appliance.

SURGICAL PROCEDURES Certain nasal and/or throat surgical procedures may help correct physical impairments to a patient's breathing. Some patients may need surgical jaw reconstruction to help improve their condition. In addition, there is occasionally a procedure used, to help patients who are morbidly obese, lose weight.

Support

American Sleep Apnea Association
http://www.sleepapnea.org/
1424 K Street NW, Suite 302
Washington, DC 20005
Telephone: 202/293-3650
Fax: 202/293-3656
asaa@sleepapnea.org

Tri-State Awake
Boardman Township Hall (Youngstown area)
Contact: Timothy Kopcash (330) 757-8426 tristawake@hotmail.com
Meets: Feb, June, Aug, Nov Thursdays 7:00 - 9:30 PM
Please call for information as time and dates vary

Go to the Sleep Apnea website http://www.sleepapnea.org/potent.html for information on how to establish a local support group: THE A.W.A.K.E. NETWORK: Alert, Well, And Keeping Energetic: Mutual-Help Support Groups for Persons Affected by Sleep Apnea

National Sleep Foundation
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/
1522 K Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
Telephone: (202) 347-3471
Fax: (202) 347-3472
nsf@sleepfoundation.org