Sleep Apnea

[randedge]

I'm pretty sure I have it now.

Well, I've always been a snorer, at least I'm told, but paid no mind to it, since.. well, I'm not the one being inconvenienced by my snoring!

Anyway, I guess when they say most of sleep apnea sufferers don't even know they have it, well, I suppose that was true for me. You see, I've always just thought my sleep was normal and that I'm just not a morning person.

Well, now that I'm past the growth stage and firmly into the stage of adulthood (mid 20's) where my body's changes has hit a plateau and all that's left is deterioration (scary thought) I've been noticing that I'm waking up gasping for air in the middle of the night more and more often. When I say gasping, I literally am gasping, as if I was underwater for a good few minutes.

I'm not overweight- in fact I have the same weight I did when I was 18 at 5'9", 150, runner - and I'm not taking any meds that induce drowsiness.

I think mine is an obstructive type and it's getting worse.



So, the question is, who else has it, and what did you do about it? I intend to see a sleep specialist sometime in the near future - when I get the time.


Thanks!
R.



PS. I'm actually quite drowsy as I type this.

[ZC_CIVIC]

go out and buy a air purifier for one, helps clear the air so it is a bit eayer to breath, also go to the doctors and they can help you out with it...my mother has it also but sinec getting an air purifier and the meds she hasnt been waking up as often anymore

[svtlight]

you can wear a mask and this thing pumps air down into your lungs if you have it bad

[FiveFreshFish]

Might need surgery for a permanent fix.

[lint]

Go to the sleep clinic and get tested. They'll send you home with a monitor that you sleep with for a night that measures the oxygen content in your blood. The machine also monitors how many times you wake a night. Let the experts tell you what the problem is.

[badatusrnames]

Originally posted by lint
Go to the sleep clinic and get tested. They'll send you home with a monitor that you sleep with for a night that measures the oxygen content in your blood. The machine also monitors how many times you wake a night. Let the experts tell you what the problem is.

[randedge]

Originally posted by lint
Go to the sleep clinic and get tested. They'll send you home with a monitor that you sleep with for a night that measures the oxygen content in your blood. The machine also monitors how many times you wake a night. Let the experts tell you what the problem is.

Oh for sure. I was just wondering what other people's experiences were.

[bobby_lu]

"C-pap"

[lint]

Originally posted by randedge


Oh for sure. I was just wondering what other people's experiences were.

I was tested about 6 or 7 years ago. I had big ass tonsils, so in my case surgery was recommended to remove them to aid with breathing. Was an improvement, but I can also stand to lose a few pounds, so it comes back every now and then, especially when I'm sick.

[Kloubek]

My mom has this problem too, and she has been officially diagnosed. The suggestion to go to the sleep clinic is a good one, and I would suggest it 100%. In her case, she sleeps with a mask. It sucks, but it works.

[New2Talon]

My dad has sleep apnea. He's had a mask for the last few years but he never uses it, as he says he can't adjust with the forced air, and it makes it hard to sleep.

From what I've read sleep apnea is a fairly dangerous illness as many people that suffer do not get "proper" sleep. If you go to a clinic, you have this it is explained, but it has to do with your level of sleep, and how restful your sleep is. Apnea limits your restfulness and you are unable to fully rest, and often those who have it will notice having bad bouts of staying awake (sometimes during driving).

If you think you have a sleep disorder, get it checked out at a clinic.