Sleep apnoea is a strange illness if that’s what you can call it and certainly if you suffer from it you would be better off with Bodyease adjustable beds!
For most people sleep apnoea not only affects them but it also creates problems for their partners as well, not only does a sleep apnoea sufferer snore loudly but they also stop breathing in their sleep. This is obviously dangerous the lack of oxygen can cause problems to the heart and the brain as well as damaging other organs.
Using an adjustable bed can be beneficial as sleeping in a slightly more upright position can help to keep the airways open, this can be one of the main problems for sleep apnoea sufferers as they relax their throats and airways collapse so cutting off the oxygen supply.
For a lot of people though it is really the problem of getting diagnosed in the first place, a lot of doctors are still not aware of all of the symptoms associated with sleep apnoea and so do not always refer them to specialists in the sleep field. Once diagnosed there are certain things that can be done to help.
Most people will first of all be checked for weight as being to heavy can make the situation worse, those with thicker necks are more likely to struggle but being overweight is not always the problem. Unfortunately it is something that cannot at this stage be cured only controlled.
The side effects are the real problem though if you have sleep apnoea how ever mild it will mean that you are continually tired and are liable to drop off to sleep at anytime without realising it. Of course the consequences of this can be disastrous specially if it where to happen whilst the person was driving, not only could they kill or injure themselves but they could cause a major accident and take the lives of others.
When a specialist sees a potential sleep apnoea patient they will do various tests and it may even mean an overnight stay in a sleep clinic centre so that they can be monitored. Once sleep apnoea is confirmed life can change rapidly, if the person has a driving licence both they and the hospital are required to advise the DVLA.
Then depending on the seriousness of the sleep apnoea the person diagnosed might well have to return their driving licence. The DVLA will check with both the GP and the hospital and then make a decision and even if they are allowed to continue drive you will need to inform you insurance company and probably have to pay higher premiums.
Help is at hand though as once the sleep apnoea is confirmed you can be given what is called a CPAP machine which has a tube and face mask attached to it and which the patient wears at night and the machine then pumps air through so that the airways are forced to stay open, the difference for most people can be absolutely astonishing but the down side is that you have to get used to sleeping in the mask all the time! for some people that is very difficult but it is important that people do for the alternative is that if the machine and the mask isn’t used the long term result is death! Wearing a mask however uncomfortable is a far better alternative.
If you are struggling to sleep at night or if you are disturbing your partner regularly during the night then get to see your GP as soon as you can and ask him or her about sleep apnoea it could save your life!
Recent Comments