diabetes Help Need Sleep Apnea(s) S/c/s To Ptsd

[Guest VetWife Advocate]

SLEEP APNEA: Millions of Americans are robbed of a good night’s rest by sleep apnea, an often over looked condition that causes people to

stop breathing for short periods while asleep. It can happen 40 times a night, sometimes awakening victims from deep sleep. Initially,

sleep apnea is not harmful. However, it can cause serious problems left untreated, including heart disease and stroke. It is as common as

adult diabetes. Doctors estimate that about 12 million Americans are affected by it. The majority of cases are never diagnosed. Men over

40 are more likely to have it, but it can affect anyone at any age. Some studies have shown that a family history of sleep apnea increase

the risk two o four times. Being overweight is a factor, as is having a large neck. Smoking and alcohol use increase the risk. Women are

more likely than men to have it. Abnormalities of the structure of the upper airway are contributing factors. The condition comes in

three varieties:

1. OBSTRUCTIVE affects 90% of sufferers. It blocks the passage or windpipe that brings air into the body. A sleeping person tries to

breathe but can’t get enough air because of a blockage caused by the tongue, tonsils or uvula. The windpipe might also be blocked by a

large amount of fatty tissue in the throat or even by relaxed throat muscles.

2. CENTRAL is a rarer type. It is related to the function of the central nervous system. With this type the muscles used to breathe

do not get the go-ahead signal from the brain. Either the brain does not end the signal. Or the signal gets interrupted.

3. MIXED is a combination of Obstructive and Central sleep apnea.

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms may include morning

headaches, forgetfulness, mood changes, irritability and a decreased interest in sex. People experiencing sleep apnea can take the

following steps to get a better night’ rest:

- Stop all use of alcohol or sleep medicines.

- Lose weight.

- Sleep on the side rather then the back.

- Wear a special mask to keep the airway open by adding pressure.

- Undergo surgical procedure to remove tonsils or extra tissue from the throat.

- Take medications prescribed for Central sleep apnea.

[source: American Legion Magazine May 05]

ANY HELP APPRECIATED.

I tried to contact CHEIFHOUSE who has posted here and cannot find out what he did to get his Sleep Apnea Service connected. His also found after Service. Very dangerous. No one has even mentioned any medication for Joe's Central Sleep Apnea, what's with that!!

BRENDA

[jimlane1949]

SLEEP APNEA: Millions of Americans are robbed of a good night’s rest by sleep apnea, an often over looked condition that causes people to

stop breathing for short periods while asleep. It can happen 40 times a night, sometimes awakening victims from deep sleep. Initially,

sleep apnea is not harmful. However, it can cause serious problems left untreated, including heart disease and stroke. It is as common as

adult diabetes. Doctors estimate that about 12 million Americans are affected by it. The majority of cases are never diagnosed. Men over

40 are more likely to have it, but it can affect anyone at any age. Some studies have shown that a family history of sleep apnea increase

the risk two o four times. Being overweight is a factor, as is having a large neck. Smoking and alcohol use increase the risk. Women are

more likely than men to have it. Abnormalities of the structure of the upper airway are contributing factors. The condition comes in

three varieties:

1. OBSTRUCTIVE affects 90% of sufferers. It blocks the passage or windpipe that brings air into the body. A sleeping person tries to

breathe but can’t get enough air because of a blockage caused by the tongue, tonsils or uvula. The windpipe might also be blocked by a

large amount of fatty tissue in the throat or even by relaxed throat muscles.

2. CENTRAL is a rarer type. It is related to the function of the central nervous system. With this type the muscles used to breathe

do not get the go-ahead signal from the brain. Either the brain does not end the signal. Or the signal gets interrupted.

3. MIXED is a combination of Obstructive and Central sleep apnea.

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms may include morning

headaches, forgetfulness, mood changes, irritability and a decreased interest in sex. People experiencing sleep apnea can take the

following steps to get a better night’ rest:

- Stop all use of alcohol or sleep medicines.

- Lose weight.

- Sleep on the side rather then the back.

- Wear a special mask to keep the airway open by adding pressure.

- Undergo surgical procedure to remove tonsils or extra tissue from the throat.

- Take medications prescribed for Central sleep apnea.

[source: American Legion Magazine May 05]

ANY HELP APPRECIATED.

I tried to contact CHEIFHOUSE who has posted here and cannot find out what he did to get his Sleep Apnea Service connected. His also found after Service. Very dangerous. No one has even mentioned any medication for Joe's Central Sleep Apnea, what's with that!!

BRENDA

I was diagnosed with sleep hypopnea 11/9/05, lack of oxygen to the brain while sleeping, and the physician ordered a cpap device to treat this problem. I asked if there was medication I could take and he said no except for Provigil which helps a person stay awake during the day. 10 years ago I had heart problems and had a heart attack and 2 open heart surgeries. I had a standard split-night polysomnogram which is done in a hospital sleep lab. the polysomnogram is the diagnostic test which detects sleep problems along with frequency of events while sleeping. If your husband has not had this test done he will continue having sleep apnea if he has it and the only effective treatement is the cpap machine. I wish you both well and have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Jim Lane TDIU T&P