“Sleep? Who needs sleep? I can sleep when I’m dead!” Well, if you don’t sleep that may happen sooner than you want. Many people relish good sleep, but don’t get it for many reasons. One very common reason for lack of good sleep is sleep apnea. When you ask a child to pretend to be asleep, how do they demonstrate that they are sleeping? They pretend to snore! Snoring doesn’t care if you are young or old, male or female, normal weight or overweight. Sleep apnea disrupts normal sleep architecture and is associated with an increasing number health conditions.
Heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, cancer, depression, anxiety, ADHD, dementia, memory, dietary choices and a variety of hormonal abnormalities, including low testosterone, are among the many conditions associated with sleep apnea. The list seems to grow on a near weekly basis. It is clear that sleep is meant for so much more than just resting the body and getting ready to do yesterday all over again.
What are the signs of sleep apnea? A screening aide used in many clinics is called the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Tiredness and inability to stay awake while doing quiet activities are common. When was the last time you were able to watch a movie all the way through? Uncontroll ...
