Have a Happy, Safe Holiday

The holidays are coming. Many parties and other social events are in the making. One thing to be on the look out for is the use of alcohol and sleep deprivation. Alcohol in small quantities does not make you sleepy under normal circumstances. However, if you are sleep deprived, a small amount of alcohol can make you dangerously sleepy. The best thing to do is get the sleep you need and avoid alcohol, but if you find yourself having a few drinks be forewarned that the impact it can have on you is greatly increased if you have been losing say 1 hour of sleep a night. Sleep loss accumulates so by the end of the week you will have a total sleep debt of 5 hours. So if you plan to drink make sure you have a designated driver and have a safe holiday.

Have you had problems coping with CPAP? Are you interested in joining or starting a support group? You are not the only one. Many support groups are available but the one which works best with sleep apnea and using CPAP is the A.W.A.K.E. network. You may find an A.W.A.K.E group in your town. To find out if you do or to begin one if you don't contact the ASAA and they will by happy to help.

May issue: "Pharmacists Worst Nightmare" Help was received. A lawyer, who takes on these kinds of cases, mailed in a response to take the case at no charge. I will post the outcome in upcoming issues. Have you experienced trouble at work, are you at risk of loosing your job or license. If so let the sandman know. Beginning with the May issue stories received will be posted on the SnoozePaper. If you have any helpful information for the story tellers you can email sandman and I will forward the information to the proper recipient.