Sleep Apnea

Article submitted by the Seniors Resource Guide staff.

Over 160 million Americans share a common dilemma...snoring loudly, gasping for breath as they sleep and feeling tired day in and day out. If this sounds like you or someone you know, you may suffer from Sleep Apnea.

Sleep Apnea is a treatable disorder in which a person stops breathing during sleep, often hundred of times during the night. It is a common disorder that affects men, women, and children but is often undiagnosed, despite the potentially serious consequences.

Sleep Apnea is defined as a cessation of breath, during a set period of time, usually resulting in the oxygen level in the blood dropping. People with untreated Sleep Apnea are generally not even aware of the awakenings, but only of being sleepy during the day. They may however realize that they snore or gasp for air during sleep.

The negative consequences of untreated Sleep Apnea can be great. There are several types of Sleep Apnea but most consequences include high blood pressure, impaired cardiac function, weight gain, strokes, motor vehicles accidents, work related accidents, decreased quality of life and cognitive difficulties. The incidents and costs associated with these are great, while the cost of diagnosis and treatment can be minimal.

People with untreated Sleep Apnea may also complain of falling asleep inappropriately, morning headaches, memory problems, feelings of depression, reflux, nocturia (need to use the bathroom frequently at night) and impotence.

One treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is nasal CPAP, a mask worn over the nose to provide continuous positive airway pressure. This forced and regulated amount of room air is strong enough to splint the airway open, allowing air to flow freely to the lungs. Nasal CPAP is 95%- 98% effective and covered by most insurance companies. Be sure the company providing you equipment offers you a variety of products and masks, as well as employs a Respiratory Therapist to properly evaluate and fit your mask.. Most insurance companies allow you a choice of companies, talk to several before deciding which one to use. Also your doctor should provide you with several companies to consider.

If you are concerned about the potential of Sleep Apnea, first contact your primary care physician or a specialist such as a Pulmonologist. Be sure your primary care physician is up to date on this condition. There are many screening tools and diagnosis options to determine if you suffer from Sleep Apnea. You can also contact the American Sleep Apnea Association at 202-293-3650 or www.sleepapnea.org.

For more information on products to treat sleep apnea contact Major Medical Supply Direct at 1-866-897-5667 or visit their online store at www.SeniorProductsInfo.com.