A Risky But Treatable Condition Known as Sleep Apnea

According to the Lansing State Journal:

Snoring, daytime tiredness, irritability and trouble with short-term memory could all be signs of poor sleep quality.  However, they could also be signs of something more concerning: sleep apnea.

I'm writing this article not only because it's very informative, but also because I have sleep apnea too.  I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about five years ago by a Lansing area sleep specialist

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What is sleep apnea according to the Lansing State Journal?

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes people to stop breathing or have very shallow breathing while asleep.  If you consistently notice the above symptoms--especially severe snoring--don't hesitate to speak with a doctor to see if you may have sleep apnea.

I remember my wife telling me over five years ago that it sounded like I would stop breathing while I was sleeping.  What she told me pushed me to go get tested and now I've been using a CPAP machine for about five years.  This machine helps keep my airways open while I sleep.

The Lansing State Journal adds:

"Some forms of sleep apnea can be severe and risky, and they have to be evaluated and treated as soon as possible," said Dr. Ammar Ghanem, a pulmonologist and Sleep Specialist at McLaren Greater Lansing.

If there is one thing I would like to pass along, it would be take this very seriously.  Don't ignore any signs of sleep apnea.  If you know someone who might have sleep apnea, urge them to get tested.  This is a treatable condition with the help of sleep specialists.