Hi, Everyone. Wanted to share some really fascinating info, and something great that happened to me recently.

I had a sleep study last week, and was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, or airway obstruction when sleeping. I'll post the symptoms (I had every single one of them) and what sleep apnea is at the bottom of this post. I was given a C-PAP machine, which is a machine that blows air into your nose as you sleep to keep your airway open, allowing you to get real, recuperative sleep, to actually rest because your body is not on high alert all night thinking it is choking to death. Since using the C-PAP machine, I have more energy than I know what to do with, I am no longer tired all the time, no more headaches, depression is lessening, it is just miraculous. I wanted to share because I wish I had been diagnosed years ago, so much makes sense to me now. I even believe, finally, that the weight I have gained over the past few years is going to come off.

Please read the info below and consider talking to your doctor if you think you might have this, because identifying and treating it has been the best thing to happen to me in a long time!!!!

Internet info: (obviously does not replace an examining doctor's opinion)

"What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

The most common kind of sleep apnea is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Sleep apnea means "cessation of breath." It is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction that occur during sleep, usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation. In other words, the airway becomes obstructed at several possible sites. The upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue in the airway, large tonsils, a large tongue and usually includes the airway muscles relaxing and collapsing when asleep. Another site of obstruction can be the nasal passages. Sometimes the structure of the jaw and airway can be a factor in sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms?

excessive daytime sleepiness
frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep. (The patient may be unaware of this symptom -- usually the bed partner is extremely aware of this).
Associated features may include:
loud snoring
morning headaches
unrefreshing sleep
a dry mouth upon awakening
chest retraction during sleep in young children (chest pulls in)
high blood pressure
overweight
irritability
change in personality
depression
difficulty concentrating
excessive perspiring during sleep
heartburn
reduced libido
insomnia
frequent nocturnal urination (nocturia)
restless sleep
nocturnal snorting, gasping, choking (may wake self up)
rapid weight gain
confusion upon awakening
How serious is sleep apnea?
It is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea include heart attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems. The severity of the symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.


How does the doctor determine if I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

A sleep test, called polysomnography is usually done to diagnose sleep apnea. There are two kinds of polysomnograms. An overnight polysomnography test involves monitoring brain waves, muscle tension, eye movement, respiration, oxygen level in the blood and audio monitoring. (for snoring, gasping, etc.) The second kind of polysomnography test is a home monitoring test. A Sleep Technologist hooks you up to all the electrodes and instructs you on how to record your sleep with a computerized polysomnograph that you take home and return in the morning. They are painless tests that are usually covered by insurance.

How is Sleep Apnea treated?

Mild Sleep Apnea is usually treated by some behavioral changes. Losing weight, sleeping on your side are often recommended. There are oral mouth devices (that help keep the airway open) on the market that may help to reduce snoring in three different ways. Some devices (1) bring the jaw forward or (2) elevate the soft palate or (3) retain the tongue (from falling back in the airway and blocking breathing). Sleep Apnea is a progessive condition (gets worse as you age) and should not be taken lightly.

Moderate to severe Sleep Apnea is usually treated with a C-PAP (continous positive airway pressure). C-PAP is a machine that blows air into your nose via a nose mask, keeping the airway open and unobstructed. For more severe apnea, there is a Bi-level (Bi-PAP) machine. The Bi-level machine is different in that it blows air at two different pressures. When a person inhales, the pressure is higher and in exhaling, the pressure is lower. Your sleep doctor will "prescribe" your pressure and a home healthcare company will set it up and provide training in its use and maintenance."

Thanks for posting this- I believe more people have this condition than realize it! c.