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Sleep Apnea
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Re: needing answers for confused spouse

Posted by Maestra on November 27, 2002 at 06:28:21:

In Reply to: needing answers for confused spouse posted by sleepyhubbyrestlesswife on November 26, 2002 at 16:50:45:

I'm going to take a little time and explain what happens with sleep apnea. The term apnea means "no breathing". When you have this condition, your throat muscles relax while you are asleep. When this happens your throat is closed off and you stop breathing for up to 15 or more seconds. Then you body realizes you are not breathing and wakes you up to jump start your breathing. You do NOT REALIZE that you have (a) stopped breathing or (b) awakened to start yourself up again. As a result of this unconcious activity your sleep is interrupted many times per hour - for instance, I used to awaken 57 times an hour which means I only slept for about 1.05 minutes before my body woke itself up in a panic snorting and struggling for air. Then I would settle in for another 1.05 minutes of sleep, stop breathing, gasp for air and repeat this whole thing - all still without knowing it was happening. This can cause extreme sleepiness and make you fall asleep without warning during the day, especially while sitting watching TV, reading, or DRIVING! It can also cause heart, lung, and other possible fatal physical problems. Luckily it is controllable with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine which pushes air into your nose through a small nose mask and this air holds your throat open and allows you to breathe without the constant awakenings - thus getting healthy, uninterrupted sleep. So yes, it is controllable. Please call your doctor and plead with them, telling them what you've told us about your monetary situation and telling them how much you need to have all of this speeded up. God Bless - good luck.

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  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


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