The silent power of sleep

Sleep disorders are more common then you might think. There are over 100 known sleep disorders, but the one I want to focus on is Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Statistics indicate that one in 10 Americans suffer from sleep apnea. On any given day 2 to 5 percent of the drivers on our highways are tired enough that they could fall asleep behind the wheel at anytime.

What are the symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

The common symptoms are excessive day time drowsiness (which may cause you to fall asleep while working, watching TV, or even driving). Loud snoring, observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, Morning headaches, and shortness of breath that awakens you from sleep.

How serious is Sleep Apnea?

It is a bigger problem then just being tired. When your breathing stops during sleep, blood oxygen levels drop. Because this happens repeatedly during sleep (anywhere from 15 to 45 or more times per hour) it causes stress on the heart, brain and other organs. On the average a person with obstructive apnea does not breath from 7.5 to 20 minutes per hour which contributes to many serious and negative health consequences. Consider this, a person with undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea is two to four times more likely to develop a life threatening heart beat, is two to three times more likely to develop high blood pressure, and two times more likely to suffer a stroke.

Now let’s remember, life isn’t all doom and gloom because there is hope and good news when dealing with sleep disorders. Though sleep apnea can be vary serious, following an effective treatment plan can restore regular breathing during sleep and relieve symptoms such as loud snoring and excessive daytime drowsiness.

Where do I go to find out what treatment plan is best?

You need to make an appointment with your physician and he or she will have you fill out a short sleep questionnaire and conduct an interview of your sleep habits. If your score is significant he will order a sleep study to be done to determine the severity of the problem. The sleep study would take place at the Sioux Center hospital main campus. The test results scored and over-read by a Pulmonologist certified in sleep medicine. The results will be sent to your Physician and will meet with you to go over the results and then write the orders needed to get the necessary equipment.

Where can people go to get the equipment and supplies needed to treat this type of problem?

Sioux Center Community Hospital & Health Center Avera is a full service facility. You can go to Mary, Patricia, or Paula at Avera Home Medical Sioux Center for all your equipment and supply needs. They can set up the equipment and fit you for the appliance of your choice to begin your journey for a fitful nights rest. They are located in the Cardiac Centre west of Travel Advantage.

Larry Te Grotenhuis, Respiratory Therapist and Sleep Study Supervisor