[Sleepnet.com's Homepage] [Sleep Disorders] [Sleep Links] [Search]

Re: Need CPAP for hypopneas?

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Apnea Forum134 ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Sandman on November 20, 2008 at 10:55:09:

In Reply to: Need CPAP for hypopneas? posted by leslie on November 19, 2008 at 22:29:54:

Don't believe the someone who said hypopneas and RERA's are not dangerous and don't need CPAP. Hypopneas and RERA's both cause arousal's due to the increased effort to breath during sleep. Their effect on sleepiness can be just as bad and sometimes worse than OSA. The extra effort puts a strain on the heart and body. The SaO2 may not drop as much but that doesn't mean their are no physical consequences.

One of the best indicators of severity of any sleep related breathing disorder (SRBD) is daytime drowsiness. If you feel refreshed in the morning and don't get sleepy in the afternoon, then you would most likely be in the mild category as long as there were not severe pulmonary problems, etc. Most people in this category will not comply with cpap, when prescribed, since they feel no benefit in alertness when using it.

If you wake up with a headache, find it difficult to stay awake during the day, and/or sweat a lot while sleeping, etc. you would most likely be in the severe category. This applies to hypopneas, RERA's, and OSA. (All SRBD's)

Drowsiness itself can have very serious consequences. Dr. Bill Dement calls drowsiness "RED Alert". Sleep deprivation, for any reason, is the cause of many accidents and deaths on the highway, at work, at home, etc. every year.

Living in a state of drowsiness is very dangerous. Don't let anyone convince you it is OK as long as your oxygen levels are stable during sleep. One final note, a SaO2 of 91 during sleep is not in the normal range.

Best wishes,
Sandman

Disclaimer, I am not an MD and my opinions should not be taken as medical advice. If you feel that you need assistance with medications and/or diagnosis, you should seek medical advice from a qualified physician.

Follow Ups:


Post a Followup

E-Mail  :  required - same address used when you registered (will not show up in posting)
Password:  required (sent to you when you registered)

Subject : Re: Need CPAP for hypopneas?

Comments:....note: including your email address here will result in the removal of your posting (See removal policy)

PLEASE ONLY CLICK THE SUBMIT FOLLOW UP BUTTON ONCE!!. Thanks, Sandman

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Apnea Forum134 ] [ FAQ ]