Sleep apnea Archives

48 Words: Rx for Health

Thank you to Yoni Freedhoff, MD, an associate professor of family medicine at the University of Ottawa, for providing us with a simple recipe for health. Just 48 words. Freedhoff’s 48 words eschew “fad diets and fitness gimmicks. Just stick to the basics,” he writes in an op-ed piece in the New York Times on January 3. With such a sparse list, I was happy to see that “nurture sleep” was included as one of the most important actions we can take to maintain our best health. The importance of sleep is so underestimated in our society. I am guilty of (in the past) boasting about how little sleep I need—as have so many other people. If you’re like me, I suggest you try sleeping more for a few weeks. It will probably surprise you just how much getting a few extra hours of sleep can do for your general health, happiness and work productivity. Freedhoff’s advice for improving sleep includes the usual suspects: light and noise control in the bedroom, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, decreasing caffeine intake and taking steps to be sure you don’t suffer from sleep apnea, a life-threatening sleep disorder (snoring being just one [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2020-01-07T07:40:33-05:00January 7, 2020|

Sleeptember: What’s Your Snore Score?

Despite all the jokes, cartoons and comical depictions of snoring in pop culture, snoring is a symptom of a potentially life-threatening disorder called sleep apnea. The annual Sleeptember® campaign of the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) is helping bring attention to this often chronic, debilitating and overlooked sleep disorder. Let’s break some myths. You don’t have to be overweight, male or an adult to suffer from sleep apnea. ASAA says only a small percentage of those who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) get treated, yet if untreated, OSA can contribute to potentially fatal medical problems. The National Sleep Foundation warns that “sleep apnea can cause fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels. For people with sleep apnea, the combination of disturbed sleep and oxygen starvation may lead to hypertension, heart disease and mood and memory problems. Sleep apnea also increases the risk of drowsy driving.” Here’s one self-test offered by ASAA to determine if you or a family member might be at risk: Are you a loud and/or regular snorer? Have you ever been observed to gasp or stop breathing during sleep? Do you feel tired or groggy upon awakening, or do you awaken with a headache? Are you [...]

By Helen Sullivan|2022-01-17T14:12:31-05:00September 14, 2017|