Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Learn How To Cure Sleep Apnea

Treatment Of Sleep Apnea

Around 1 in 10 US citizens has sleep apnea. These folks don't know what a sound sleep is. There is not just snoring connected with a sleep disorder sufferer. The throat relaxes and even closes during sleep resulting in the person to prevent breathing for short periods. The snoring sound you hear is when the sleeper gasps for air and tries to keep on breathing. The majority search for a home treatment solution of this potentially really serious condition. To ascertain if you actually have sleep apnea, you have to be tested at a sleep test center by the trained professional. This specific disorder generally affects middle-aged males who are overweight. There are various methods to try to treat sleep apnea with home treatment options.

In case you have a serious situation of sleep apnea comprising more than several episodes for each night then you certainly must consult your doctor. When you've got five or less episodes or less then you can certainly try home treatments for the condition. Holistic experts have used a flower remedy referred to as Vervain as a home treatment of sleep apnea. Vervain is regarded as a calming essence that's been able to help people with their sleeping issues. Some other natural remedies include aromatherapy, herbal remedies, homeopathy, yoga and also other relaxation techniques. Incorporating natural remedies along with lifestyle improvements would likely enhance your nights sleep.

Life style enhancements include losing some weight. A lot of this disorders' sufferers are usually overweight. Shedding weight can reduce how frequent you stop breathing per hour. The experts agree that weight loss have to be considered if wanting to manage the problem. Another home treatment solution of sleep apnea is always to limit using alcohol and medicine. A lot of alcohol might make the symptoms even more difficult. Certain medications like sleeping pills as well as sedatives may also make the symptoms worse.

Acquiring plenty of sleep is yet another home treatment of sleep apnea. Sufferers of this sleep issue experience much more episodes if they are not getting plenty of sleep. Try sleeping on your side to get rid of mild symptoms. To prevent you from resting on your back attempt sewing a pocket over the back of your respective pajamas and set a tennis ball inside it. That way you'll not be capable to sleep on your back. Some other homeopathic types of home treatment solution of sleep apnea consist of adjusting ones diet. They suggest that extroverted and charismatic people needs to consume Lachesis. They also feel that people who are far more temperate must consume homeopathic opium. Homeopaths think that all sufferers of the disorder must wipe out sugar together with other allergic foods.

The breathing strategies taught in yoga are an additional form of a home remedy of sleep apnea. These types of approaches forcibly clear out air passages. By learning these methods and often practicing them, you might experience some respite in your obstructive apnea symptoms. If however you wake up during an episode, do not panic as which could worsen the issue. Try to forcibly let out your breath and then breathe in slowly and gradually. If home treatment of sleep apnea will not solve the problem then consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    where can i find an institution for the treatment of sleep apnea in austin?
    i need to find a clinic or hospital that can treat this disease near austin.

    • ANSWER:
      have your PCP refer you to a pulmonologist.

  2. QUESTION:
    Is there a no mask treatment for Sleep Apnea?
    My husband is getting really tired of wearing the CPAP mask and I'm getting sick of the sound.

    • ANSWER:
      YES THERE IS!! I have discovered a miracle! Actually my sister did, but for now I'm taking credit for it.

      The rightfully named website http://www.nomask.info has a ton of information on how you can NOT sleep with your Cpap mask ANYMORE! I've had sleep apnea for years and I just love this alternative. Its the only one of its kind and its just amazing. I highly recommend that you try this stuff and get rid of your CPAP machine for good!

  3. QUESTION:
    How fast is the growth of sleep apnea treatment (mainly via CPAP)?
    I'm trying to figure out how many people are buying CPAP systems and masks today and how much this is changing.

    I see number like 18M people have OSA (up to 50-60M with some type of sleep issue), and the industry is growing at 8.4%, but what's driving this? Increase diagnosis & treatment, shift demographics, more marginal suffers seeking treatment, or just newer, more expensive equipment?

    Any help would be great. Cited sources would be even better!! Thanks!!

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep Apnea effects more than 12 million Americans! More over weight people and diabetics have sleep apnea. It usually effects men over 40 who are over weight. There are 3 types of Sleep Apnea:
      1.) Obstructive...soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.
      2.) Central...The brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe.
      3.) Mixed...Combination of both of the
      above.
      You can learn more on the American Sleep Apnea Association website:
      www.sleepapnea.org
      This whole nation is over weight or diabetic so go figure why everyone has sleep apnea!
      Being over weight is the norm now.

  4. QUESTION:
    What's the cost of getting treatment for sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      don't get the surgery... no matter what any quack tells you, it has low success rate and even if it "works" it slowly goes back to how it was

      instead, try out a cheapo mouth piece on ebay for 40 bucks

  5. QUESTION:
    Has anyone heard of a different treatment for people who suffer with sleep apnea?
    Someone I work with heard about this new type of treatment that treats sleep apnea besides the CPAP that is a machine that continually keeps air flowing tthrough a mask that is worn. This new treatment, if there is such a thing is something else. This was second hand info so I'm not sure if this is right.

    • ANSWER:
      Is it the BiPap?

  6. QUESTION:
    Has anyone lost weight once beginging sleep apnea treatment?
    In the coming weeks I will start using the CPAP mask to treat my sleep apnea. My neurologist suggested I could lose roughly thirty pounds just by beginning the treatment. I am wondering if anyone has ever lost any weight once they started using a CPAP machine and if so, how much and over how long of a time? Everyone things my doctor is blowing smoke up my butt.

    • ANSWER:
      It sounds a bit hard to believe! I have never heard of it, but the doctor would be committing a serious error if he was lying or "joking" without making it clear that he was joking. I have done some research and nothing shows that weight loss is a side effect of the treatment.
      Take a look at the info below

  7. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea treatment: Dental device that allows you to breath through your mouth at night?
    I've been officially diagnosed with sleep apnea in the mild to moderate range. I also suffer from depression (probably sleep deprivation induced) and insomnia (late to bed/early to rise). I sleep for between 3 to 5 hours a night. Obviously this isn't enough sleep.

    I've tried CPAP, but can't get used to it, mainly due to my problems with insomnia (my mind has trouble being "quiet"). I have a hard time sleeping without the distraction of a CPAP, and WITH it.... it's impossible for me to sleep. I litterally just DON'T SLEEP with it on. I've been trying for 2 months (seriously).

    I know there are dental devices that relocate your jaw and tounge, but I seem to have problems mainly with my "soft palette". I notice that if I breath through my mouth, it's impossible for it to close off. SO, I was wondering if anyone uses or knows of a dental device that would have holes in it to allow you to breath through your mouth at night? Something like a mouth guard with a tube coming out... THANKS!

    • ANSWER:
      My husband has the same problem...It takes longer than 2 months to get use to the CPAP....he had to change the device that covers your nose to a more comfortable one.
      I don't think its the CPAP you are having trouble with..Its falling asleep and staying asleep.
      Could be hormones making you stay awake and waking up early

      Out of wack Hormones can make you stay awake and wake up every hour.
      Check with your Doctor, antidepressent pills helped me sleep

  8. QUESTION:
    My husband had a sleep study done last night to determine if he has sleep apnea?
    He did not like the idea about using a CPAP mask. Is this the ONLY treatment for sleep apnea? If it is, will he have to use it for the rest of his life?

    Any body that uses something different? Thank you

    • ANSWER:
      i've done the research for you and i hope this will help..=)

      Treatment
      For milder cases of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as losing weight or quitting smoking. If these measures don't improve your signs and symptoms or if your apnea is moderate to severe, a number of other treatments are available. Certain devices can help open up a blocked airway. In other cases, surgery may be necessary.

      Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea may include:

      Therapies

      Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, you may benefit from a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask placed over your nose while you sleep. With CPAP (SEE-pap), the air pressure is somewhat greater than that of the surrounding air, and is just enough to keep your upper airway passages open, preventing apnea and snoring.

      Although CPAP is a preferred method of treating sleep apnea, some people find it cumbersome or uncomfortable. With some practice, most people learn to adjust the tension of the straps to obtain a comfortable and secure fit. You may need to try more than one type of mask to find one that's comfortable. Some people also benefit from using a humidifier along with their CPAP system.

      Don't just stop using the CPAP machine if you experience problems. Check with your doctor to see what modifications can be made to make you more comfortable. Additionally, contact your doctor if you are still snoring despite treatment or begin snoring again. If your weight changes, the pressure settings may need to be adjusted.

      Oral appliances. Another option is wearing an oral appliance designed to keep your throat open. CPAP is more effective than oral appliances, but oral appliances may be easier for you to use.Some are designed to open your throat by bringing your jaw forward, which can sometimes relieve snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.

      A number of devices are available from your dentist. You may need to try different devices before finding one that works for you. Once you find the right fit, you'll still need to follow up with your dentist at least every six months during the first year and then at least once a year after that to ensure that the fit is still good and to reassess your signs and symptoms.

      Surgery or other proceduresThe goal of surgery for sleep apnea is to remove excess tissue from your nose or throat that may be vibrating and causing you to snore, or that may be blocking your upper air passages and causing sleep apnea. Surgical options may include:
      Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). During this procedure, your doctor removes tissue from the rear of your mouth and top of your throat. Your tonsils and adenoids usually are removed as well. This type of surgery may be successful in stopping throat structures from vibrating and causing snoring. However, it may be less successful in treating sleep apnea because tissue farther down your throat may still block your air passage. UPPP usually is performed in a hospital and requires a general anesthetic.
      Maxillomandibular advancement. In this procedure, the upper and lower part of your jaw is moved forward from the remainder of your face bones. This enlarges the space behind the tongue and soft palate, making obstruction less likely. This procedure may require the cooperation of an oral surgeon and an orthodontist, and at times may be combined with another procedure to improve the likelihood of success.
      Tracheostomy. You may need this form of surgery if other treatments have failed and you have severe, life-threatening sleep apnea. In this procedure, your surgeon makes an opening in your neck and inserts a metal or plastic tube through which you breathe. You keep the opening covered during the day. But at night you uncover it to allow air to pass in and out of your lungs, bypassing the blocked air passage in your throat.

      Removing tissues in the back of your throat with a laser (laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty) or with radiofrequency energy (radiofrequency ablation) are procedures that doctors sometimes use to treat snoring. However, these procedures aren't recommended for treating obstructive sleep apnea.

      Other types of surgery may help reduce snoring and sleep apnea by clearing or enlarging air passages:
      Nasal surgery to remove polyps or straighten a crooked partition between your nostrils (deviated nasal septum)
      Surgery to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids

      Treatments for central sleep apnea are more limited and may include:
      Treatment for associated medical problems. Possible causes of central sleep apnea include heart or neuromuscular disorders, and treating those conditions may help. For example, optimizing therapy for heart failure may eliminate central sleep apnea.
      Supplemental oxygen. Using supplemental oxygen while you sleep may help if you have central sleep apnea. Various forms of oxygen are available as well as different devices to deliver oxygen to your lungs.
      Continuous positive airway pressure. This method, also used in obstructive sleep apnea, involves wearing a pressurized mask over your nose while you sleep. The mask is attached to a small pump that forces air through your airway to keep it from collapsing. CPAP may eliminate snoring and prevent sleep apnea. As with obstructive sleep apnea, it's important that you use the device as directed. If your mask is uncomfortable or the pressure feels too strong, talk with your doctor so that adjustments can be made.
      Bilevel positive airway pressure (bilevel PAP). Unlike CPAP, which supplies steady, constant pressure to your upper airway as you breathe in and out, bilevel PAP builds to a higher pressure when you inhale and decreases to a lower pressure when you exhale. The goal of this treatment is to boost the weak breathing pattern of central sleep apnea. Some bilevel PAP devices can be set to automatically deliver a breath if the device detects you haven't taken a breath after so many seconds.
      Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV). This more recently approved airflow device is designed to treat central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea. The device learns your normal breathing pattern and stores the information into a built-in computer. After you fall asleep, the machine uses pressure to normalize your breathing pattern and prevent pauses in your breathing.

  9. QUESTION:
    Medical treatment for my snorring and sleep apnea in Singapore. Would it cost me a lot of money ?
    My problem arises 8 years ago, I seen many doctors in the Philippines but none of them could cure my snorring and sleep apnea. I have heard about doctors in Singapore that could cure such snorring, but I don;t know how much will it cost me. Is it expensive. Any body there who knows how much is the cost of medical treatment specifically snorring and sleep apnea in singapore?

    • ANSWER:
      no but a cure is always better then a treatment - check out their patients and make sure what they do works - also call their office talk to billing and get some quotes.

  10. QUESTION:
    What are some alternative treatments for sleep apnea?
    I was diagnosed with a mild form of sleep apnea. I have tried a CPAP machine and couldn't adjust to it. My doctor said I wouldn't be a good candidate for surgery. I'm considering a dental device (mouth piece), but wanted to know if there are alternative methods.

    • ANSWER:
      I'm in the same situation as you. I would see about the dental device. Anything has to be better than the CPAP.

  11. QUESTION:
    Is an oxygen concentrator normal treatment for sleep apnea, and can oxygen cause headaches?
    I've had several test where overnight I wore the thing on my finger to test my oxygen saturation levels, and apparently the levels went down because now the Dr. has ordered an oxygen concentrator to wear at night. We're doing another oxygen level test in a few weeks, to see if the concentrator helps. I'm just wondering if this is a normal first step, because I see a lot of people on here use other things. I've also noticed that I'm waking up with horrible headeaches after sleeping with the oxygen, is that normal?
    It's just a normal concentrator with a humidifier bottle and nasal canula. I don't think the headaches are from it being too tight, because it only goes over my ears and is just tight enough that it doesn't fall off.

    • ANSWER:
      Usually when you get headaches it's from lack of oxygen, I used to get those heaps but once i went on oxygen they cleared up straight away. If you think the prongs are too tight just hook them up underneath your nose and tighten at the back of your head, I do that because it feels like my ears are being pushed out the other way lol. As for the headaches, talk to your doctor and see what can be done, you may not be getting enough oxygen at night and might have to put it up higher.

  12. QUESTION:
    Can somebody explain to me what is central end-peripheral sleep apnea? treatments included?
    (sorry for the grammer and spelling)
    So far i found out that tissues at the back of your throat are collapsing and that's normal but the thing that prevents it from collapsing is the problem.

    Well, my cousin's son (infant) is having a problem breathing and some doctors said that there is something wrong with the brain (the neurons go to something, i don't know; i'm sorry). The probable diagnosis was central end-peripheral sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea.

    • ANSWER:
      Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common category of sleep-disordered breathing. Since the muscle tone of the body ordinarily relaxes during sleep, and since, at the level of the throat, the human airway is composed of walls of soft tissue, which can collapse, it is easy to understand why breathing can be obstructed during sleep. Mild, occasional sleep apnea, such as many people experience during an upper respiratory infection, may not be important, but chronic, severe obstructive sleep apnea requires treatment to prevent sleep deprivation and other complications. The most serious complication is a severe form of congestive heart failure called cor pulmonale.

      Individuals with decreased muscle tone, increased soft tissue around the airway (e.g., due to obesity), and structural features that give rise to a narrowed airway are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Older people are more likely to have OSA than younger people. Men are more typical sleep apnea sufferers, although the condition is not unusual in women or children.

      Common symptoms include loud snoring, restless sleep, and sleepiness during the daytime. Diagnostic tests include home oximetry or polysomnography in a sleep clinic.

      Some treatments involve lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol or muscle relaxants, losing weight, and quitting smoking. Many people benefit from sleeping at a 30 degree angle or higher, as if in a recliner. Doing so helps prevent gravity from collapsing the airway. Lateral positions (sleeping on your side), as opposed to supine positions (sleeping on your back), are also recommended as a treatment for sleep apnea, largely because the airway-collapsing effect of gravity is not as strong to collapse the airway in the lateral position. Some people benefit from various kinds of oral appliances to keep the airway open during sleep. "Breathing machines" like the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may help. There are also surgical procedures that can be used to remove and tighten tissue and widen the airway.

      The most common treatment for sleep apnea is the use of a positive airway pressure (PAP) device[13] (PAP), which 'splints' the patient's airway open during sleep by means of a flow of pressurized air into the throat.

      In addition to PAP, a dentist specializing in sleep disorders can prescribe Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). The oral appliance is a custom made mouthpiece that shifts the lower jaw forward which opens up the airway. OAT is usually successful in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. OAT is a relatively new treatment option for sleep apnea in the United States, but it is much more common in Canada and Europe.

  13. QUESTION:
    Does anyone have any experience with Radiofrequency treatment of the toung for Sleep Apnea?
    Please share... i am considering this surgery for my sleep apnea, and would like to know any experiences u can share. i am currently using a mouth piece especially made by a dentist for my sleep apnea, but it is not effective. BTW, I have had a sleep study done by a neurologist, who determined I have sleep apnea.

    • ANSWER:
      no my husband has been on an air pump for the past 5 years and he is a new man.

  14. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea CPAP treatment not effective?
    Hi there, I have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. I am a 27 year old male, and obese.

    I was wondering if it is possible for CPAP/APAP treatment to be ineffective? My GP and specialist tell me that the machine says everything is working fine and I'm breathing normally, however I still experience most of my apnea symptoms and I notice a huge difference of quality of sleep based on which position I sleep in, just like before I started treatment. Lying on my back is the worst, side is ok, and stomach seems best. Just like the overnight sleep test indicated without the CPAP.

    Is it possible that my treatment is not 100% effective, and that I still suffer apnea, despite the computer saying I breath normally? I had 115,7 breathing pauses per hour (extreme). That's like two per minute. Is it possible my body is "cheating" the machine?

    Thanks so much!

    • ANSWER:
      CPAPs are not always effective for everyone... but should still be given a chance to work. They can be very helpful

      Some people are too claustrophobic. There are some stream line machines that many patients like.

      Positional sleeping is a big thing as well. Hopefully you have a machine that does not hinder your stomach sleeping...We all have our favorite position and it is hard to learn a new one. From personal experience...Stomach sleeping is the only way I can get any rest...Since birth...LOL. Have you tried sleeping on your stomach while wearing your machine still?

      Your settings may not be correct for you...your alarm settings may not be set properly...maybe to loose. If your machine is set to alarm after 30 seconds...you may not be triggering the alarm if your apnea is only 20 second. You might need a stronger pressure to keep your airways open. Or there is a possibility that you need a Bipap....this machine has the one pressure while breathing out....like continuous pressure of a CPAP...but it also has a second pressure to help you take breath in. Maybe this will work better for you...

      Finally, there are two types of sleep apnea...obstructive= some part of your anatomy is obstructing your breathing. The other is central=your brain is just not telling your body to breathe. This can be caused by heart failure...Your doctor can treat that to lessen the apnea spells.

      In the end...it is still a machine..if you are feeling it is not working...talk to your doctor...they are very helpful...other ideas maybe possible.

      I hope I didn't ramble on...and helped some.

  15. QUESTION:
    treatment of sleep disorders after CABG surgery ?
    I have a patient with mild obstructive sleep apnea, who had Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery recently after a Myocadial Infarction, and now he is recovering well 5 days post-op but his sleep apnea has worsened and he can't get any sleep ever since the surgery.
    do you have any suggestion or any management options to offer?
    thanks a lot !

    • ANSWER:
      Cardiac asthma suspected.

  16. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea......any natural treatments besides the machine?
    Was wondering if there might be some natural treatment for sleep apnea with out having to use the machine that you wear a mask all night and it puts greater inward pressure of air so you lungs fully fill up with air. My mother uses the machine and she wants me to be tested for apnea because of some symptoms I have but I doubt I could get used to wearing something all night. any suggestions.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.

      Symptoms
      It is important to emphasize that often, the person who has obstructive sleep apnea does not remember the episodes of apnea during the night. The predominant symptoms are usually associated with excessive daytime sleepiness due to poor sleep during the night. Often, family members, especially spouses, witness the periods of apnea. Symptoms that may be observed include:

      * Loud snoring
      * Periods of not breathing (apnea)
      * Awakening not rested in the morning
      * Abnormal daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep at inappropriate times
      * Morning headaches
      * Recent weight gain
      * Limited attention
      * Memory loss
      * Poor judgment
      * Personality changes
      * Lethargy

      Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

      * Hyperactive behavior, especially in children
      * High blood pressure
      * Automatic behavior (performing actions by rote)
      * Leg swelling (if severe)

      Weight management (or intentional weight loss) and avoiding alcohol and sedatives at bedtime may relieve sleep apnea in some individuals. If these measures are unsuccessful in stopping sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a form of mechanical breathing assistance that involves the use of a specially-designed mask worn over the nose or nose and mouth at night, may be prescribed.

      Mechanical devices inserted into the mouth at night to keep the jaw forward may be useful in mild to moderate cases.

      Surgery to remove excess tissue at the back of the throat (called a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or UPPP), to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids (see tonsillectomy), or to create an opening in the trachea to bypass the obstructed airway during sleep (tracheostomy), may be helpful if anatomical causes are present. In some people, surgery to remove blockage of the nose or upper throat may relieve sleep apnea.

      Removing enlarged tonsils or adenoids may be all that is necessary in children to cure obstructive sleep apnea.

  17. QUESTION:
    Can anyone recommend treatments of sleep apnea?
    I live in Seattle. My sleep doctor has prescribed a Bi-PAP and I use it, but he will not do his job. He knows it isn't producing good results. He mentions no "out-of-network" providers or alternatives. He doesn't address all the problems I'm having. I have increased the pressure settings, with his knowledge, and am getting a second opinion from Virginia Mason Sleep Clinic. Apria, as a DME, is unacceptable. Numerous machines they provided, all Respironics, have broken. I dug up Lincare, on my own and went to their Seattle office last week. They fixed my mask, told me of other products I had learned of in the past few weeks on my own -without my asking. The bulk of my info on apnea and its treatment has come from newsgroups and sites dedicated to sleep disorders.

    I use a saline solution daily.
    Does ANYONE have ANY ideas or know of any other providers, DMEs, etc who can help? Please excuse the shouting & please help.

    • ANSWER:
      Lincare is one of the only national based DME's but you can really use anyone. In my opinion the best DME's are sleep labs that do both. Technicians are much more educated and helpful with the units and the mask fittings than business' that just provide the equipment. Mostly because we actually use the equipment and we see how the masks and units work on a nightly basis. No other DME's that are not sleep lab based are going to be as knowledgable. Respironics have been great units in my lab but we also use Resmed units that are just as great. You may have gotten units that are refurbished or used. There is another unit out there now called Adaptive Servo Ventilation but you have to fail bipap and have complex or central sleep apnea to qualify for one. But they are spectacular units and not all sleep labs are using them yet. Most sleep labs are great at working with insurances and you when it comes to equipment. I would seek a better lab and possibly a different Board certified sleep physician. We have two wonderful ones here in Montana and a great sleep lab. We have many patients from all over. But Seattle is a ways away and it may not be as convenient for you. Sorry and good luck

  18. QUESTION:
    Is it illegal to drive when you have sleep apnea?
    I just had a sleep study done last night. When the nurse wolk me up this morning at 6:00 A.M. she said that she did not see any sleep apnea when I was asleep until 2:00 A.M. She said from two until six in the morning they let the computer analyz the rest of my sleep. So I left the hospital not worried. This afternoon I called my doctor to schedule a follow up for monday. She said I am glad you called because I got the first two pages of you test results back and it says it is illegal for you to drive without treatment for sleep apnea. My question is has anybody ever heard that it is illegal to drive with sleep apnea? Also dose anyone know what the treatment is for sleep apnea? please help

    • ANSWER:
      Whether or not it is illegal to drive if you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea is different from jurisdiction to jurisdiction -- call you local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out. You'll also need to find out when the restrictions can be lifted, because sleep apnea is treatable. Usually, in jurisdictions in which untreated sleep apnea can cause you to lose your license, a doctor's diagnosis showing successful treatment of your sleep apnea should restore normal driving privileges. Again, check with your local DMV.

      There are several treatments for sleep apnea, depending on how badly it is affecting you, and several other factors. If it is mild, you can try home remedies: don't sleep on your back; try sleeping on your side, lose weight, cut back on the use of sleeping pills, etc.

      For more severe cases (which it sounds like you have), there are several options. You can use a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. A CPAP is a machine which requires you to wear a mask over your nose and mouth while you sleep (akin to a fighter pilot's mask). The CPAP then delivers a constant air pressure to your nose, helping to keep your airway open. There are also several surgeries available to treat sleep apnea:

      * Somnoplasty: A minimally invasive procedure to reduce the soft tissue in the upper airway.
      * Nasal surgery: Correction of nasal obstructions such as a deviated septum.
      * Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): A procedure that removes soft tissue on the back of the throat and palate, increasing the width of the airway at the throat opening.
      * Mandibular maxillar advancement surgery: Invasive surgery to correct certain facial abnormalities or throat obstructions that contribute to sleep apnea.

      Which treatment is right for you is a decision to be made between you and your doctor.

      Good luck!

  19. QUESTION:
    does a CPAP machine for sleep apnea have to be adjusted to work right?
    I went to a sleep center for treatment of sleep apnea. I was fitted for a nose mask and had a hard time breathing with it. I had decided that I could not take it any more and after a few shouts I got the attention of another technician who aided me. . The technician who helped me said my tech. was setting up another patient.During the night I had difficulty breathing with this device,all through the night it mismatched my breathing . I could not breathe deep enough where it cut me off or it worked the opposite. I had told the technician I was having difficulty breathing and he made the excuse that the wires and setup was affecting me with my sleep. Its funny the wires did not bother me on my last visit. I felt the staff was not doing their job properly. do you agree ?

    • ANSWER:
      I agree with you. Yes there are different adjustments but they should know what they are doing. If you didn't get a good sleep in at that visit, you will have to go back another time. If you don't want to go back there tell your doctor to send you to a different facility...

  20. QUESTION:
    How can you go camping with a CPAP machine for sleep apnea?
    I need my CPAP to be portable... Would anyone know how to hook up a 12 volt battery to it in order to make it portable? I cannot afford a Marine Battery, they are way to expensive. I need CHEAP and EFFECTIVE solution!!!

    FYI:
    CPAP is an acronym for "continuous positive airway pressure." It is used for the treatment of sleep apnea.
    Sleep Apnea (AP-ne-ah) is a common disorder in which you stop breathing or breathing pauses during your sleep for few seconds to minutes.

    • ANSWER:
      There are converters that can hookup to a car battery that convert the cars DC over to an AC that the cpap runs on. They are called Dc/AC inverters...They sell them at Walmart and auto stores. The inverters are rated by wattage. The inexpensive ones can charge something like a laptop computer, but not run something that draws a lot of power like a toaster...the more expensive units have a higher wattage rating. You need to look at your cpap and see how many watts it draws; by the plug there should be writing that lets you know.

      I don't know what they use or if they make an inverter that would work or not, the other question is how long will a batter last with that draw on it? The marine batteries are meant to draw more current for longer, and some car batteries are pretty wimpy and would likely not do the job.

      If you google "auto power inverters" you can do some research and see if it is feasible with the battery you have now.

      Good luck.

  21. QUESTION:
    does having central sleep apnea require special treatment for extractions, root canals and implants?
    i have intensive central sleep apnea and seizures. i have 6 posted veneered front teeth which were done more than 20 years ago. i need those teeth pulled out as well as 5 others, and root canals in 3 others. the extractions will be done by an oral surgeon, implants and root canals by dentist. will special attention need to be used for anesthesia and pain control? is it possible to get them to do it in a hospital? could i get some of it covered by my medical insurance?

    • ANSWER:
      It depends on the level of anesthesia you are getting. If you are just doing local and staying awake during the procedure then it will have no effect. If you are going under general anesthesia(getting put to sleep) then you should mention it to your doctor. He may want to do the procedures in a hospital( this is common for medically complex cases). I cant tell you about insurance without even knowing what company/plan you have. Best person to talk to will be the doctors front desk or your insurance company.
      @seizures- Are you on medication for your seizures? what kind are they? what sets them off? these are things you need to discuss with your doctor prior to the day of surgery.

  22. QUESTION:
    What do they use to treat sleep apnea?
    My doctor now suspects that I may suffer from sleep apnea and I'm wondering what they can do to help me if I do. Anyone else have it? Do you sleep better with treatment? I'm tired of waking up tired...

    • ANSWER:
      I was actually diagnosed with sleep apnea in December 2006. Since then I have been using a CPAP machine every night when I go to bed. It is a machine that is attached to hoses and a mask that you wear over your nose or nose & mouth (depending upon which one your doctor recommends for you). Ever since I started using mine last year I have felt 100% better. Now I sleep through the night (which I never used to do) and get up in the morning feeling refreshed instead of like I never went to bed. Here is a website with lots of information about different kinds of treatment http://www.sleepapnea.org . Best of luck to you!

  23. QUESTION:
    Does anyone out there have a forced air machine for sleep apnea?
    My boyfriend has sleep apnea and we are looking for a sleep apnea forced air machine to buy. He does not have insurance and the doctor wants him to stay overnight at a sleep center to confirm that he actually has sleep apnea. The cost of the sleep clinic is 00.00 for (1) night!! I know he has sleep apnea and the only treatment for it is a forced air machine. In the meantime he is not getting any quality sleep and is affecting his daily life!! Please Help Us!!

    • ANSWER:
      You mean a CPAP - these are commonly prescribed for people with apnea. Apnea can be a serious problem, but there is some concern that sleep clinics and the CPAP machines have become big business. There is no accurate diagnosis of sleep apnea where a machine becomes essential. Most people, once they get used to the noise, do sleep well using these machines, but other remedies might also have helped.

      Sleeping on the back is often a problem. An old solution to that is to tape a tennis ball to the back of a T shirt and wear that in bed - it prevents the person from sleeping on their back; and that's pretty cheap!

      Other options may be repair of a deviated septum, or other surgery to fix problems in the throat.

      If your partner does not frequently stop breathing during the night, a CPAP may not really be necessary.

  24. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea project abstract-which one?
    My partner and I are disagreeing about the wording for our abstract. Would someone rewrite it using both or just give your opinion on which one i should use?

    OPTION 1

    Over 20 million Americans suffer some degree of sleep apnea; those who do suffer from Sleep Apnea, are prone to suffer from excessive sleepiness, waking frequently throughout the night, morning headaches, and severe side effects on the heart and circulation. This project was designed to inform those suffering, or those who know someone suffering from Sleep Apnea.
    Data was extracted from many reliable sources, along with a live interview. It was determined that sleep apnea is not widely known and often goes undiagnosed. The general population has probably already been exposed to Sleep Apnea without knowing it. There are few cases that have negative repercussions that may be life threatening, and require a doctor's assistance.
    The doctor revealed that there are many different treatments available for sleep apnea that can help to reduce, if not eliminate, the side effects. It is recommended that you should begin a healthy diet to help reduce Sleep Apnia, some healthy measure you can take are: Avoid alcohol and sedatives, some medications are designed to keep the patient breathing overnight. People with sleep apnea can also use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask or a BIPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) mask to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be required to relieve the symptoms.
    More people need to know about sleep apnea because it could be depriving them of sleep and contributing to high blood pressure and other circulatory problems. This could inspire people to go consult their doctor about their sleeping patterns and get treatment if it's needed.

    OPTION 2

    Over 20 million Americans suffer some degree of sleep apnea; all of these people are in danger for side effects such as excessive sleepiness, waking frequently throughout the night, morning headaches, and severe side effects on the heart and circulation. This project was created to inform people about this condition so they can help themselves or family members that may be suffering.

    Data was extracted from many reliable sites, pamphlets, books, and from a live interview with sleep expert. It was determined that sleep apnea is not widely known and often goes undiagnosed. The general population needs to be informed about this condition because there can be life-threatening repercussions that require being treated by a doctor.

    The doctor revealed that there are many different treatments available for sleep apnea that can help to reduce, if not eliminate, the side effects. It is recommended that people with sleep apnea should lose a reasonable amount of weight in healthy ways, avoid alcohol and sedatives, can use medication to stimulate the brain to keep the patient breathing throughout the entire night. People with sleep apnea can also use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask or a BIPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) mask to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, surgery could be needed to relieve the symptoms.

    More people need to know about sleep apnea because it could be what's causing their sleep deprivation and contributing to high blood pressure and other circulatory problems. This could inspire people to go consult their doctor about their sleeping patterns and get treatment if it's needed.

    • ANSWER:
      Either are fine but you have some incorrect information. I would clarify that you are discussing obstructive sleep apnea and not central. With that being the case, there is no medication to treat it. I would also clarify who the sleep expert is. Is at an RPSGT, RRT or a board certified physician in sleep medicine. Surgery is not the answer for severe cases unless you are talking about a tracheotomy. Any other surgery is less than 50 percent effective and that is only if they know exactly where the obstruction is and if you are discussing central sleep apnea, surgery will not work. The only recommended treatment for CSA is BiPapST. It is like a ventilator but only with a mask. If you are looking at the second option, 2nd paragraph last sentence I would changed treated by a doctor to requires to be diagnosed and given proper treatment. I hope you realize that OTC measure do not work they only mask the symptoms. Algoll and sedatives only make it worse. Avoiding them will not eliminate a person from having OSA. People who are thin and children can also have sleep apnea. Weight loss will help but OSA should be treated in the meantime with CPAP, autopap, or bipap. Standard Bipap is generally only used for people with high pressures or people who retain CO2.

      Please email me.

  25. QUESTION:
    Is an apnea/hypopnea index of 6 (sleep apnea) bad enough to merit treatment?
    I have other health problems and I was searching for answers so I did a couple of sleep studies. When I wore the CPAP it caused "centrals" to occur so they did not recommend I use a CPAP for treatment. Is an AHI of 6 really that bad? It seems to me that sleep disorders are becoming an easy business and everyone and their brothers are getting into it to supplement income. I know a 6 on the AHI scale is "mild" but what is mild. Define mild because one word alone does not really mean much. I wonder, statistically speaking, if most everyone has a low rating and they are just trying to make a buck.

    • ANSWER:
      You are correct-sleep medicine has become a big industry.
      First, I would like to say that the CPAP per se did not cause the centrals-they are apneas caused by a failure of the brain to tell your diaphragm to move vs. the airway closing so attempts to breathe are blocked. An improperly titrated CPAP is what causes centrals. The thing to do for that would be go to a different sleep lab.
      That said, an AHI of 6 indicates an EXTREMELY mild sleep breathing disorder-I can't tell you what to do but if it were me I think I'd just let it slide unless you are having a lot of trouble staying awake during the day. Good luck to you.

  26. QUESTION:
    How important is it to correct a change in my bite?
    I recently began treatment for sleep apnea with a custom-fitted oral appliance - a mouth piece that I wear at night to pull my jaw forward. This has done an excellent job in preventing snoring, but has altered my bite. My dentist was very concerned by this, but the doctor that fitted the device (also a dentist) indicated that a change in bite is not serious - nothing more than an annoyance. The change in bite does not bother me, but I am afraid it will cause damage to my teeth down the road. Is this something that I should be concerened about? Do I need to get the bite corrected? I'm kind of in a bad situation where I have to choose between the effective treatment for sleep apnea, and the bite problem.

    • ANSWER:
      1stly, since the appliance was to protract your jaw, a change in bite shud`ve been predicted. u need to consult an orthodontist as well, regarding the new bite and whether is it leading to a malocclusion. in this case, all your teeth will be affected over time and change in their positions may occur.

      also, a change in bite could lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction, though the manifestation is not immediate which might cause ur dentist to overlook the bite change.

      so confirm with an orthodontist.

  27. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea - what can change with proper treatment?
    my grandmother has sleep apnea. my mom, who works at a sleep lab and also has sleep apnea, always knew this and believes she has had it for 10 or so years and has told her to get a test done. well i was finally able to convince my grandma to get it done and its terrible. her average sleep time was 76 seconds. she only remembers waking up twice for the bathroom.

    since she has had the test and will soon find out a way to treat it, more likely the cpap,what are some things that can change for her positively? will she be less tired in the day, not so much out of breath, maybe even more energetic? she weighs around 220 pounds so could this help her lose the weight more so since she'll be getting better sleep? she eats very healthy foods and small portions throughout the day.

    • ANSWER:
      it takes getting used to the mask the first month
      after that, hopefully she'll be getting more & better sleep
      she'll probably sleep or nap less but get better sleep
      with more energy Yes she will feel better, so the weight will be easier to get off because she'll won't be Dragging through the day (& night) & her oxgen will be better, so less short of breath,
      good luck to all of you
      your mom will know what to look for & the questions to ask your grandmother

  28. QUESTION:
    Is Severe Sleep Apnea classed as a Disability ?
    I was diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea last year, after years of feelling tired all the time, no matter how much sleep i had.
    I am recieving treatment from the Sleep Clinic at the hospital, i have to use a CPAP machine at night, which helps to keep my airways open, so that i can breathe properly.
    If i dont use the machine, i am absolutely shattered all day.
    As i have Severe sleep apnea, ive been told at the hospital that i must continue with CPAP indefinately, as sleep apnea can cause heart attack whilest asleep, or death from stopping breathing.
    Apparently i stop breathing up to 300 times a night !!! ;(
    When i wake up after using CPAP, it takes a good 3/4 hours to properly feel alert, and still feel tired, and often forgetful and not very good co-ordination.
    I am currently recieving Employment Support Allowance, for Mental Health problems, and i wondered whether i need to inform DWP of my latest condition, Sleep Apnea, as im currently in the WRAG Group not the Support Group ??
    Thankyou.
    I was told at the Sleep Clinic at the Hospital, that i have Severe Sleep Apnea, and that it is Serious !!
    If you dont use your CPAP machine at night, you may have a heart attack and not wake up.
    That sounds serious to me !!
    Your parents may have mild/moderate sleep apnea, but at whatever level, it is serious, i dont use a CPAP for fun !!
    This answer is for the person who thinks its not an issue ? ? ?
    YEAYEASH
    FOXY Thankyou very much :) that info is a great help, much appreciated.
    THANKYOU WILLIAM . W MUCH APPRECIATED ADVICE.

    • ANSWER:
      I listened to a radio show about this, and I'm no expert. But if it's not controlled, then it can become a very big issue, especially if you drive a vehicle. There was a lorry driver that killed someone when driving his truck when he went to sleep at the wheel and drove into the back of a car. He was later diagnosed with sleep apnoea, and riddled with grief, he came onto the radio show to explain how he got around the lack of proper REM' sleep that caused the fatal crash. I think he was now wearing that simple device you mentioned in order to assist his sleep, and he has returned to driving his truck, but also spends much of his time explaining to others about the importance of controlling sleep apnoea.
      I don't know if I would class it as a disability or not because I'm no expert, but certainly it will cause you a disadvantage against someone that gets a normal good night's kip, so I do sympathise, but I would have thought that the NHS would be able to give you full backing and any advice needed.

      Here's a link I found from the British Sleep Apnoea Association. Maybe if you put yourself in touch with them and join their forum, you may be able to get a more informed answer than many on here with give you. I hope that might help you.

      http://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/phpBB2/index.php

  29. QUESTION:
    My dad was just diagnosed with sleep apnea but we don't have the money to pay for treatment....help!?
    is there anything else that he can do? the treatment is too expensive for us and we don't have a lot of money. This is really scary for both him and I..and every night i worry that he'll stop breathing and die. Several times he has woken up gasping for air...Is there any other treatment?
    thanks for your help.

    • ANSWER:

  30. QUESTION:
    what is the mortality rate for patients with severe sleep apnea?
    ___ out of ____ people die from severe sleep apnea. (or any other statistics about mortality rate)

    what is the life expectancy with proper treatment?

    • ANSWER:
      There is a lot of undiagnosed sleep apnea out there so your first question is difficult to answer. People who fall asleep at the wheel because of sleep apnea and die in a crash would be in a different statistics. People who die of heart disease because of damage from high bp caused by sleep apnea fall in a different category.

      You second question is also difficult to answer. It depends on when the person was diagnosed and what is their co morbidity's. Does treatment save lives, I would say definitely. It saved mine. I was diagnosed in my 30s and am 100 percent compliant.

  31. QUESTION:
    What do you think of my article on Sleep Apnea?
    Go here: http://noteworthynewscasts.blogspot.com/2006/07/what-is-sleep-apnea.html and read my article. Tell me what you think!

    Abstract:
    What is sleep apnea? It is a disease that affects a small number of the population (only about 4% of men & 2% of women), but the chances of developing this disorder gets progressively worse as one grows older and leaving the symptoms untreated could be fatal. Many who have sleep apnea do not even know they have this affliction. This report will educate the reader about the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snoring and constant feelings of drowsiness. It will also review what one would expect when being tested for apnea, as well as popular and less-traditional treatment methods. It then discusses the long-term effects of not treating sleep apnea, which could include heart failure. By the time the reader has completed this report, they will have a full understanding of sleep apnea and how it affects one’s life.

    • ANSWER:
      It made me fall asleep

  32. QUESTION:
    I tink my hubby has sleep apnea. He doesn't want seek treatment. What can i do?
    Every night i cant sleep well coz of snores. He snored so loudly till i can still hear him from the kitchen, even wif both doors closed. I cant stand it anymore. Pls help me!!!

    • ANSWER:
      I have sleep apnea, and I never thought about doing anything about it. Didn't want surgery, or anything. It was just snoring, right?

      I did a sleep study and found out that I was breathing about 15 seconds of every minute I was sleeping, and waking up about every 45 seconds. The docs then told me all kinds of ramifications, like high blood pressure, dangers of being exhausted, etc. But it was the sleep study report with the numbers that made me get help.

      I would suggest you make a deal with him: just ask him to do the sleep study. It's one night in the hospital, so at least you'll get a night's quiet sleep too :) . When he gets the results, then he'll make a decision literally how much he wants to live.

      Incidentally, the worse the apnea is, the LESS chance surgery can be done to correct it. So if he's concerned about the surgery, he may be eligible. Instead there's something called a CPAP, which has been amazing for everyone I know who has used one.

  33. QUESTION:
    Why does sleep deprivation make the symptoms of sleep apnea worse?
    I recently did a sleep study and found that I have obstructive sleep apnea and it causes me to wake up during the night - often many times. I go through cycles where the problem gets much worse, one night of poor sleep leads to another worse night of interupted sleep, and so on - sometimes for a month or even more. I have heard that sleep deprivation makes the symptoms of sleep apnea much worse, and as I am searching for the right treatments, I was just interested in finding out why - what is the mechanism that causes this? Very strenuous exercise during the day or early evening can have the same effect. Thank you for any insights.

    • ANSWER:
      Actually, sleep apnea is a condition where you actually stop breathing during sleep. For most people, this causes them to wake up quickly; for others, it's a life-threatening situation (especially for babies and small children). I imagine if you're not getting much rest, when you do finally get to sleep your body is so tired it's hard for your body to wake up when you stop breathing. Also, even though your body eventually trains itself to sleep lightly in order potentially avoid apnea, when YOU finally get some sleep your body falls into a deeper sleep. This makes it harder for your body to avoid apnea. I would advise you to get plenty of rest whenever possible. I believe you should obtain a sleep apnea monitor from your physician. This will sound an alarm to wake you up when you stop breathing, or if your oxygen saturation level drops below a certain percentage. This may alleviate some of your anxiety and help you sleep better at night. Just a thought. Good luck.

  34. QUESTION:
    Anyone knows how to deal with sleep apnea?
    My husband has been experiencing sleep apnea. His medications are quite expensive that’s why I’m looking for something that might be less costly for his treatment. Anything that you know of please let me know. Thanks….

    • ANSWER:
      Hi, sleep disorders are very common nowadays, not only that it causes one person to feel tired the next day but sometimes it can also be harmful to your overall health. My dad also had sleep apnea and just 2 months ago a friend of ours suggested a very simple remedy to his sleep problem. We were hesitant at first but still give a try. We could not believe that there is really natural way to solve sleep problems. It is also cost effective, try to check http://theremedyforsleepingdisorders.weebly.com/ , a lot of sleep disorders are discuss in the site and a simple and natural solution is also provided. I suggest you also give a try and see the difference yourself. Hope this helps.

  35. QUESTION:
    I need disability insurance. I've been declined by several companies due to a diagnosis of sleep apnea-hints?
    The apnea diagnosis is so slight that I do not require treatment with a C-PAP machine. I'm surprised that I've been declined. Does anyone have any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      You can't appeal a denial of policy issuance, as there are no laws requiring that an insurance company ISSUE a policy. They can deny to issue for any reason.

      Apnea tends to get worse, not better. So that's one reason. Additionally, it's usually accompanied by being overweight, which can be another decline reason.

      Your best bet, is to try to get your doctor to reverse that diagnosis. OR, to get your disability coverage through a group plan, with your employer. That's about it.

  36. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea?
    What is the prognosis of sleep apnea WITH and WITHOUT treatment?

    • ANSWER:
      Without treatment the condition may lead to other health issues such as heart disease. With treatment the prognosis is very good.
      See this site to learn a bit more about it:

      MedlinePlus - Sleep Apnea

      http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sleepapnea.html

      Terry

  37. QUESTION:
    Is surgery to cure sleep apnea safe?
    I recently have been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and have started treatment with a CPAP. It makes me feel better but I just feel uncomfortable no matter how hard I try to get used to it. I am not obese(185 lbs, 5'11") so that is not the cause of my sleep apnea. I am meeting with my doctor soon to discuss other treatments outside of the CPAP, but I wanted to see if anyone could give me information or personal experiences on the surgery before I meet with him.

    • ANSWER:
      I had the surgery for sleep apnea....they did the laser removal of my uvula. They also fixed a deviated septum......It was the worst thing I ever did....not only did it hurt like H*** but it never really got rid of my sleep apnea....the pain after surgery was so intense I lost 15 pounds in one week.....couldn't eat or drink anything...it just caused it to hurt that much more...the only thing I looked forward to was my liquid Tylenol every 4 hours.....good luck with your decision!!

  38. QUESTION:
    Is sleep apnea a real problem, or is the doctor trying to scam me?
    My doctor, who's new because I moved, referred me to a "sleep specialist" because I told him I snored heavily, am often tired during the day, and am overweight. The sleep specialist, after having me sleep with a bunch of wires strapped to me for a night, diagnosed me with "obstructive sleep apnea", and is telling me I need a breathing machine for when I sleep at night as treatment. Also, he's told me all sorts of stuff about health risks from the apnea: I'll get to being fatigued to the point of narcolepsy, I'm at even more risk for an early heart attack, even though I've started going to the gym I won't be able to lose weight, etc.

    Now, what I want to know is, are there really health risks from sleep apnea, and is it a real problem, or is it just some sort of medical fad or scam?

    • ANSWER:
      My story mirrors your's. I got the CPAP and started using it last year. I was underwhelmed when I did not see a perceivable change. After a few months I went on vacation and forgot the machine. Wow i felt it then I did not get any rest from sleeping and felt run down. After I got home and used the machine again I felt rested. Now occasionally I will take it off during the night or just forget to put it on. When I do that I feel as though I get no rest. I think overall it is a great benefit to my as well as to my wife that I don't wake up with my snoring.
      I think there are real health risks and the "bother" of wearing the machine is worth not having or decreasing the risk of some of the apnea health risks.
      I have had chronic sinusitis for years and since using the CPAP I have found I am far less sensitive to sinus problems. I am not sure if it is the air pressure in my sinuses or not snoring. I have always wondered if the vibration from snoring caused some of my sinus problems. Overall I am healthier today than I was without the machine.

      The medical scam I see is not about the benefits of the machine, it is in the leasing of the machine to the health insurance company. I priced the machine on eBay at about 0 all in. The company that owns my machine leases it to the insurance company for 9/mo. for the last year = 68. I am not sure what to do about this issue, and I don't want to deter you from getting the machine and using it.

      Be Healthy!

  39. QUESTION:
    Husband with medical issues not taking care of himself?
    My husband has Sleep Apnea and depression. Both have caused weight gain and both are made worse by weight gain. Every doctor he has seen in the past year has told him to get gastric-bypass (weightloss) surgery. He is non compliant with his sleep apnea treatment and is not only retaining fluid but one of his calves is swollen as big as his thigh. Because of the depression and lack of restfull sleep at night he is tired all the time. He will nod off during a conversation. The excess fluid and weight are taking a toll on his knees. He is barely able to walk and uses the scooter stores provide if we have to go out shopping. To top it off he has lost his job and insurance. How do I get him to comply. I can't go to the appointments he has to attend prior to surgery for him. I am doubly frustrated because coincidentally, my mother had similar health issues. She was non compliant and died. We have two young children. Do I push him or do I just watch him die?

    • ANSWER:
      Is he doing anything about the sleep apnea? In my personal case I lost 75 pounds just by getting the CPAP breathing machine and getting use to it! I am 61 now and using the machine for 2 years has turned my life around! I was literally PUSHED PULLED SCREAMING FIGHTING HARDHEADED STUBBORN INSISTING THAT I HAD NO PROBLEM UNTIL MY WIFE JUST FLAT MADE ME GO TO A SLEEP LAB!! MY WIFE MADE ME GO!

      SO MY WIFE SAVED MY LIFE! SOMEDAY YOUR HUSBAND WILL SAY THAT ABOUT YOU!

      DO WHATEVER YOU CAN DO! HAVE PATIENCE WITH HIM BUT JUST KEEP ON BEING STUBBORN ! IF HE IS A HAS A HARD HEAD LET YOURS BE THAT MUCH HARDER!

      HE IS WORTH THE EFFORT!

      I DID NOT REALLY APPRECIATE MY WIFE'S EFFORTS AT THE TIME NOW I CANNOT THANK HER OR SAY THINGS NICE ENOUGH ABOUT HER SHE IS A TRUE ANGEL!

      SIGNED

      A SAVED HUSBAND

      APS

  40. QUESTION:
    How do you know if you have Sleep Apnea?
    What are some of the signs/symptoms? How is the diagnosis confirmed? What are available treatments? Will it ever go away? Is it associated with being overweight? If I lose weight, would it go away, if I have it?

    • ANSWER:
      In general, if you feel very tired during the day, or you fall asleep at work, at school, at the cinema, or when driving, then the best solution to find if you have sleep apnea is to go to a sleep study.

      However, you can discover if you have sleep apnea in your own home, and in your own bed. You will need the following:
      - a computer,
      - an mp3 player/recorder
      - an audio software,
      - a portable pulse oximeter.

      Now, don't be scared... These things are not expensive. You may already have a computer, an mp3 recorder you can borrow from your friends, an audio software like Audacity is free, and a portable pulse oximeter is also cheap and you will need it in the future if you have sleep apnea.

      To cut the story short, you need to record your sleep with your mp3 recorder, and upload your audio file to your computer in the next morning. With the audio software you should see how many large spaces you have in your audio graphic. A large space means a long silence in your sleep, when your breathing stops for more than 10 seconds.

      The pulse oximeter will show you the oxygen level in your blood during sleep. If your level is lower than 98%, then...you may have sleep apnea.

      But you can find a better explanation on the link bellow:

  41. QUESTION:
    I have sleep obstructive apnea and I'm only in my twenties...?
    What treatment options are there besides cpap cause I really don't want to have to use the face mask every night. Plus I was wondering if sleep apnea could cause anxiety and breathing difficulty during the day. I have been checked out by several doctors and I don't have any other serious conditions but I'm worried about the long term effects and complications of sleep apnea. I want to lose weight I heard that could help significantly(I'm about 50 lbs overweight).

    • ANSWER:

  42. QUESTION:
    has anyone used the aveoTSD to treat sleep apnea?
    I have heard that snoring is an indicator of sleep apnea. It seems there are no cheap treatments for this but I came accross the aveoTSD at www.aveosleep.ca - has anyone used this?

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep Apnea - Treatments

      http://www.askaquery.com/question/Sleep-Apnea--%28dash%29--Treatments.html

      Recognize Sleep Apnea

      http://www.askaquery.com/question/Recognize-Sleep-Apnea.html

  43. QUESTION:
    How does Obstructive Sleep Apnea impact cirrhosis and high blood pressure?
    My 60-yr. old husband has Cirrhosis of the liver, High blood Pressure, Rheumatoid Arthritis and severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea - and depression, as a result. I worry in particular because he refuses to use his sleep mask, so for now the sleep apnea seems to be his biggest hurdle, along with depression. He was diagnosed with Cirrhosis over 2 yrs. ago, Stage 4. He stopped drinking, and his liver got better; he still takes meds for that. His blood pressure is controlled with meds, and his RA has all but crippled his knees. I've tried everything to get him to try the newer, lighter sleep masks, get a new sleep study, or at least consult a dr. for the apnea. (He hasn't seen a dr. for that since diagnoses 15 yrs. ago.) He won't even consider any treatment for the apnea; he's just given up on it. He wakes up countless times during sleep; stops breathing over 100 times per sleep cycle, according to his last sleep study 15 yrs. ago. I'm at a loss here..any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:

  44. QUESTION:
    What are some alternatives to killing my roommate?
    My roommate has sleep apnea and a deviated septum and you can hear him from any part of the apartment when he sleeps. I've used ear plugs, fans, white noise, and none of it has been completely successful. He won't get the proper treatments i.e. sleep apnea mask. What are some other ideas I could try before I kill him?
    And no I'm not really going to kill him!

    • ANSWER:
      Plain and simple...move out.

  45. QUESTION:
    Sufferers of sleep apnea answer please?
    My husband's doctor ordered sleep study for him. We already know he has sleep apnea because I'm an insomniac and can lie there watching him stop breathing over and over again. He thinks it's a waste of time to have the study done when he already knows he has the apnea; and he says the machine to treat the apnea will be too expensive, too bulky, and we can't afford it. Anyway, what else can they find during a sleep study that he might need to know about? And does the machine really work? How are sleep apnea sufferers doing after having the treatment? Any other suggestions? He already knows he has to lose weight and improve some other health problems. Alcohol consumption seems to contribute to the apnea, though not EVERY time he drinks (more when he drinks too much or drinks beer), and allergies contribute (from what I can observe).

    • ANSWER:
      A study is required for a couple of reasons. First off, they can't put him on a CPAP until a clinical technician observes the condition himself/herself. Once they have observed the condition and collect enough baseline information, they then put the patient on a CPAP. The technician then slowly increases the pressure until nearly all events cease. Your prescription is then given with the proper pressure as part of the prescription. When you order a meter, the provider pre-sets the pressure. If a CPAP doesn't work, the study will allow a doctor to determine the best treatment for the problem but for most people, a CPAP works very well.

      Unfortunately, the success rate of the possible surgeries is not that great. If the CPAP will work, it is most often the best treatment. It does take some getting used to the device, at first but once you do, you'll get to the point where you can't sleep without it and wonder why you didn't see the doctor and get one much sooner.

      I've been on a CPAP for about four years now and the difference is unbelievable! I also know four other people on CPAPs and they all love theirs. One had a really hard time getting used to it but a friend and I kept encouraging him and now that he's used to it, he wonders what all his fussing was about.

      Encourage your husband the get the study done and embrace the CPAP, it will be a great thing for both of you.

      As for the machine, I purchase for two main sources that have really good prices, better than my co-pay with my insurance. The insurance was willing to cover half of very inflated prices so I went online. The best prices I've found are at http://www.cpap-supply.com and the second best are at http://www.cpap.com. The first company was started by a Sleep Apnea sufferer who thought the equipment was way over priced. His main line of work is golf and he often answers the phone himself. I even spoke to him once while he was at the Home Depot on his cell phone.

  46. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea?
    I have been recently diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and am now on a waiting list to visit a sleep clininc to determine what kind of treatment I need, which I have been told could take months, unfortunately due to my circumstances I am not entitled to a medicare card and I do not have the money to go private, therefore I am a sitting duck. In the mean time is there anyone out there who can suggest a remedy, or anything which will help me sleep at night until I get the proper treatment, preferbly something that will not leave me feeling drowsy or hung over the next morning. I constantly wake up, and when I do wake I cannot go back to sleep, most nights I wake about 2am and lie awake until I have to go to work. It is getting unberable. Does anyone have any suggestions Please.

    • ANSWER:
      actually, try sleeping on your stomach, it will not obstruct your airway as much.

  47. QUESTION:
    Does my child have sleep apnea?
    My child is a four year old who snores mostly throughout the night and will sleep through an atomic blast. She has said more recently about feeling tired after getting home from daycare. This has been going on for the last 3 or 4 months. She normally gets 10 hrs of sleep a night, and we keep her mostly on a strict sleep schedule. She seems like in a daze most of the time, attention span is waning, and even though it has always been a struggle, she doesnt have the safety concerns that most kids have. For example, she will try and run in a parking lot (mainly cause she is excited), but she has been told about being careful mutiple times. Even though my wife and I think that she would eventually be in gifted and talented, this recent behavior has caused some concern.

    What doctor (specialist) should be seen about this? Has anyone experienced this before? Improvement seen after treatment? Any changes in the home to be tried before seeing a doctor?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, take her to the dr. a ear and throat dr.

  48. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea Sufferers: What has been your experience with CPAP?
    I've had treatments for depression for about 3 years now. None of the depression treatments such as medication and ECT helped.

    I recently suspected sleep apnea and went for an overnight sleep study. They confirmed that I was experiencing sleep apnea, and I had a partial night's rest using the CPAP machine at the testing location, but it wasn't a full night's rest using it.

    The test was last weekend, and they said it would be 7-10 days for a doctor to analyze the data and get back to me. I won't know how severe my sleep apnea is until I hear from the doc...

    I was wondering if anyone would like to share their sleep apnea problems and solutions, and how well they did (or didn't) work. I'm especially interested in anyone's story involving depression, either due to or made worse by sleep apnea.

    I'm not terribly overweight, 6ft 1in and 220 lbs, but the doc said I have a very narrow throat, and my severe allergies and sinus problems play a role.

    I appreciate anyone's storys!

    • ANSWER:
      I am 36 yoa, 6'2", and weigh 250#, I have a 21" neck and have been diagnosed as having sleep apnea. I was put on a CPAP machine and I could not get used to the machine. I got tangled up in the hose all the time, not to mention that it dried my sinuses to the point of constant nighttime nosebleeds, even with a passive humidifier. I found once I started an exercise regimin that included eating healthier and weightlifting along with cardio exercise that I was able to relax and sleep better. I still have relapses, my wife notices that I do it most when I have a stressful day at work ( I am a law enforcement officer) You should try the machine and make the determination for yourself. There is also a surgical procedure where they "roto rooter" your sinuses to open the passages up. I don't know about that. I do know that when you find out what works you will feel the difference in your quality of sleep. Good Luck!

  49. QUESTION:
    sleep paralysis is this true?
    Don't stay up and move to the point of exhaustion, as this can increase the likelihood of sleep paralysis.
    Reduce stress.
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    www.EverydayHealth.com/Depression
    Eat healthy. Avoid going to bed hungry. Avoid caffeine 5 hours before sleep.
    Remember that, although it can feel dangerous, it isn't.
    Some may find that the more they try to move, the worse it gets and the longer it goes on for. If so simply relax for a few seconds, stop trying to move and after a few seconds have passed, try moving an arm or leg, then you should be out of the paralysis.
    Most episodes can be stopped by coughing the word 'cough' repeatedly. Although you may still go into another episode if you try to immediately go back to sleep. Coughing is both a voluntary and involuntary response, which such responses break the sleeping state.
    Note: Some may not be able to speak under sleep paralysis, rendering this method useless.

    Talk about it with others.
    An improper sleeping schedule can be a cause of sleep paralysis. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep every night at the same time of night every night, and sleep paralysis may go away.
    Concentrating on trying to move or "shake" yourself may break you out of it in no time.
    Sleep paralysis is most common while sleeping on your back. Try to avoid sleeping this way
    Try to avoid coffee or medications that affect your heart rate.
    Consider having a sleep study to diagnose whether the cause of the sleep paralysis may be sleep apnea. With proper treatment of a diagnosed sleep apnea condition, the sleep paralysis events may subside and/or disappear.
    If you find you are experiencing paralysis as you are falling asleep try sitting up and staring at a bright light for a minute or so before lying down again. No one is sure why, but this does help some people.
    Always remember to relax because sleep paralysis last only a few seconds or minutes and will fade away momentarily.
    Some people that frequently deal with sleep paralysis have found the following technique to be helpful. Take a moment each day to relax and imagine the sensations of your sleep paralysis. Focus on your breathing, then take a deep breath while picturing that breath lifting you up to consciousness as you open your eyes. Practicing your escape procedure when not experiencing the paralysis can greatly reduce the anxiety that can accompany an episode.
    Make sure that you are actually awake. Sleep paralysis could very well be a dream, and you will likely be able to discern whether or not it is a dream by moving into the next room. Focus on moving into the next room, or in general, away from the location of paralysis.
    Although you may feel that you are not able to move, you can try concentrating on moving one finger (or any small part of your body) - when this succeeds and you experience the small movement, the paralysis recedes. Of course, you need to be lucid to do this.
    Inhale deeply then exhale forcefully (do not hyperventilate). Repeat this several times; most of the time this can get you out of sleep paralysis.
    Medical marijuana has been proven successful in preventing episodes in states that allow its use as prescribed by a doctor.
    Always remember that sleep paralysis is a medical phenomena and just that. Do not associate it with supernatural things like ghosts and evils. It will only make it worse. Keep reminding yourself that it's just a medical phenomena.
    If you experience disassociation( "out of body" feelings), Try to "feel" the texture of your sheets, clothes, or furniture around you- you'll find that you wake up faster from tuning into a sense. Alternately, ignore the sense of paralysis, and allow yourself to follow the "out of body" feelings; you can turn an unpleasant surprise into an enjoyable lucid dream, which you may be able to control. Try visiting friends or pleasant spots you have visited. No harm can come to you, so don't be afraid.
    If you can 'fall asleep' in your dream, when you wake up, you will wake from your dream as well. Almost like falling asleep twice - except when you wake up in your dream, you wake up in real life.

    • ANSWER:
      This part is true.
      Don't stay up and move to the point of exhaustion, as this can increase the likelihood of sleep paralysis.

      The likely hood of it occurring is not even mentioned.
      Comment and ask the people at everyhealth.

  50. QUESTION:
    Sleep apnea, little REM sleep, insomnia?
    Hi there-
    Recently diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea. Also it has been stated that I am not staying in REM sleep for any useful length of time.
    I usually sleep very little at night...always have been nocturnal.

    I sleep best during the day. But the last 5 months have been rough.
    I only stay asleep for a couple hours and then feel hyper and irritable when I get up.

    New diagnosis of sleep apnea and very poor amount of REM Sleep.
    I am doing a titration study tonight with c-pap machines to see what volume works for me.

    I would like to hear from others on how if at all treatment has helped?
    If your situation is similar to mine as far as minimal amounts of sleep with diagnosis of apnea?

    What can I expect with treatment. Some have said they feel better right away. Others have said it takes awhile. I would like to hear anyone else's experience with this.

    Thank you.

    PS...Do you ever adjust to life with that machine stuck on your nose?
    And is there sex after c-pap even if your significant other doesn't have a thing for Darth Vader breath sounds?

    • ANSWER:
      I have the same problem. I am on a cpap machine I use the full mask. If there is a problemu will feel better right away. I think that it is all linked to oxygen in the body. I pap machine is like a small humidifer which u breath in thru your nose. do u have sinus problems? If your nose is plugged all the time, a full mask will force u to breath thr your nose. The first night I slept 12 hrs. I never woke up. I found out that I was exhausted, maybe half dead and did not know it.


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