The Dangers of Sleep Apnea


Nocturia (meaning you have to go to the bathroom a lot at night)

Your mouth is dry in the morning

You frequently have headaches when you get up

Impotence (If you do not know what that means, better look it up in the dictionary)

Children

They snore a lot

They do not sleep well and are tired the next day

They could also be hyperactive, aggressive and act up a lot, more then is normal for kids

The little one cough frequently and often have colds

When you check in on them, they seem to sleep in some rather odd positions

Now if you or yours have any of the above symptoms, that does not mean that you and yours are in danger from sleep apnea. But you should investigate further. Talk with your doctor and maybe ask to be referred to a specialist. It is better not to take any chances.

If you have diagnosed sleep apnea you are using a CPAP machine, you have to be careful. There are a number of activities you should avoid. Basically anything that puts you to sleep without you using your machine such as alcohol, drugs (illegal, prescription such as for depression, over the counter cold remedies, etc). Always consult for your doctor before using something that might sedate you.

If you go to the hospital for any type of surgery that requires general anesthesia, you have increased risk. Make sure that the doctors, nurses and anesthesiologists are aware of your sleep apnea. Even if you are undiagnosed, but suspect you might have it, TELL THEM! Then they can check and take proper precautions.

Now if you do not believe me, try a Google using the words “sleep apnea” and “dangers”. I got 22,800 pages on the subject. You have been warned.

Now, if you pardon me, I think I will take a nap. First I have to turn on my CPAP.

References:

Sarah Larson, White's sleep ailment common, The Intelligencer http://www.phillyburbs.com/

Patricia Nicholson, Sleep apnea raises risk of complications under anesthesia, November 16, 2004 Volume 40 Issue 43 The Medical Post http://www.medicalpost.com

-----------, How Many Are Affected?, SPECIAL REPORT: Sleepless In New Orleans Tue Nov 16,

-----------, Truckers Struggle With Sleep Problems, Health Day News and November issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. http://news.yahoo.com/

-----------, Risks of general anaesthesia in people with obstructive sleep apnoea -- Herder et al. 329 (7472): 955 -- BMJ 2004;329:955-959 (23 October), doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7472.955, BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. http://bmj.bmjjournals.com

Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist,

The copyright of the article The Dangers of Sleep Apnea in Sleep Disorders is owned by James Foster Robinson. Permission to republish The Dangers of Sleep Apnea in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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