Winston Yes, I am aware of the national TV ads for the hypoglossal nerve stimulator for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Earlier this year I prepared an information sheet on the subject. I will add it to this letter. It is a second line therapy and works for a limited sub group of patients with Obstructive Sleep… Read more »
Category: Sleep Apnea
What is the AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index)
Dear Winston It is inspiring to learn of your interest in sleep apnea. I will be happy to do my best to simplify, clarify and muddy your understanding of the AHI. AHI stands for Apnea Hypopnea Index. It is the standard for defining the presence of significant sleep disordered breathing and the condition of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. … Read more »
The Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea – The How and Why
There are complex airway dynamics resulting in blockage of the upper airway producing Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Although complex, the process can be viewed in a general non-technical manner to help one understand the causes of obstructive sleep apnea. In such an overview, we find two components to the events producing blockage of the airway during sleep: airway… Read more »
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea – The Who (Prevalence)
When we have medical problems, we all want to understand the ‘who’, ‘how’ and ‘why’ of the condition. Knowing may lead to changes or corrections that might fix and potentially remove the problem. Many professionals have invested their careers studying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), trying to understand the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of OSA. It remains a subject that… Read more »
Apnea – A Word with Many Uses
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a very common malady. It is familiar to many and is frequently a subject of both social and medical conversations. Individuals not engaged in frequent work with Apnea conditions may be confused by its usage and rightly so. Discussions and writings about the subject can use the term with different meanings. When… Read more »
The Goals of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
“Why am I using that this thing?” they asked me. This ‘thing’ they were referring to is also known as CPAP. Many people find themselves having had a sleep test and they are not sure why. They have a CPAP machine (Constant Positive Airway Pressure machine). Yet, they tell me, “I don’t know why.” Yes, they’ve been… Read more »
Coronavirus Risk and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Are you at increased risk of a serious coronavirus infection if you have obstructive sleep apnea? No one knows, although one day that information will be available. What do you do when placed in a situation with an unknown that can affect you drastically? What we always do; look for information and compare it with… Read more »
Coronavirus, Obstructive Sleep Apnea and CPAP
Week four of our national shut down. Do you have your obstructive apnea under control? I hope this finds you healthy and sleeping well. What does having this virus around mean to you and others with obstructive sleep apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition. The coronavirus is a new infectious agent that produces a short-term illness. It is… Read more »
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea
What is sleep apnea? It is an extremely common condition that should be understood by everyone. Sleep apnea is a temporary blockage or obstruction of our breathing while we sleep. A person with sleep apnea experiences repeated blockages of their air passage during sleep. The condition of obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed when the blockages occur… Read more »
A Bear in the Bedroom
Many, if not most people, come to doctors, sleep doctors or clinics because of symptoms or at the request of a family member. Symptoms can be almost any issue with sleep and its quality, but nonrestorative sleep with daytime tiredness is the most common. More on that at another time. Family members often become concerned because… Read more »