Snoring and Sleep Apnea

I used to work with a man who had to wear a device that forced air down the back of his mouth while he slept and he found it very uncomfortable. Is this the sort of device you are talking about Billy? Is this the first step treatment of sleep apnea or is there something else that a doctor would try initially? I've heard of laser treatments to remove excess tissue of the soft palate, is that a good option?

My husband is not overweight so his snoring is not caused by that. He has been a snorer since we were first married 34 years ago and has also been a very light sleeper. I think he has sleep apnea because he often gasps during snoring episodes and sometimes appears to wake himself up. I worry about the effects of this on his health because he doesn't get much sleep at night and comes home from work and often sleeps for an hour before dinner and then has trouble relaxing enough to sleep until way after midnight and gets up at 6 am.

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Don't believe anything anyone tells you

None

mamma_mia wrote: I used to work with a man who had to wear a device that forced air down the back of his mouth while he slept and he found it very uncomfortable. Is this the sort of device you are talking about Billy? Is this the first step treatment of sleep apnea or is there something else that a doctor would try initially? I've heard of laser treatments to remove excess tissue of the soft palate, is that a good option? My husband is not overweight so his snoring is not caused by that. He has been a snorer since we were first married 34 years ago and has also been a very light sleeper. I think he has sleep apnea because he often gasps during snoring episodes and sometimes appears to wake himself up. I worry about the effects of this on his health because he doesn't get much sleep at night and comes home from work and often sleeps for an hour before dinner and then has trouble relaxing enough to sleep until way after midnight and gets up at 6 am.

It sounds like he has obstructive sleep apnea. When in deep sleep your tongue falls to the back of the throat and stops the breathing. The gasping for air is his way of trying to breath. This is what I have. They can do a sleep study for one night and tell if he needs to wear a C-pap or some other method to improve his sleep. Surgery is not an option for me and most people that get the surgery still have to have a machine to breathe. They have made improvements on the masks that make them more comfortable but you still have to get used to it. Obstructive sleep apnea can be very dangerous. It can cause Hypertension, lack of oxygen to the brain, memory problems, and even death. I have had one friend that refused to wear the mask that has passed away. He was 46 with 2 kids. When you stop breathing you have 2 choices, start breathing again or die. I stopped breathing 66 times in one hour. I have been wearing one for about 15 years now. My wife started snoring recently and she started using my old machine and could tell the difference the next day. She was more alert and wide awake through out the day. Now she uses it daily. My Neurologist is skinny and he has to wear a mask to sleep also so weight is not a factor. I am not heavy either, I have an athletic build. Good luck trying to talk him into taking the test. But if he does he will be glad he did. I know I was.

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Never trust someone that has something to gain!!

None

Sarah it seems every year the machines get better and quieter.
The humidifier keeps my throat from feeling like it had sand in it. I am so glad it helped you too.

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Never trust someone that has something to gain!!

Sleep Apnea

I have sleep Apnea and have to sleep with a Bi-Pap machine with a humidifier attached to it. the setting are 18 in and 12 out with a 20 minute ramp. Are there any others that have to use either a Bi-Pap or C-Pap to sleep? How long have you used it? Is it working?

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Never trust someone that has something to gain!!

Alternative Therapies are the best way

Most adults have experienced insomnia or sleeplessness at one time or
another in their lives. An estimated 30-50% of the general population
is affected by insomnia and 10% have chronic insomnia is a symptom, not a stand-alone diagnosis. By definition,
insomnia is "difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or both."
Although most of us know what insomnia is and how we feel and perform
after one or more sleepless nights, few seek medical advice. Many
people remain unaware of the behavioral and medical options available
to treat insomnia
Insomnia affects all age groups. Among older adults, insomnia affects
women more often than men. The incidence increases with age.
Stress most commonly triggers short-term or acute insomnia. If you do
not address your insomnia, however, it may develop into chronic
insomnia. You can share your view on http://rvita.com/communities.html

The best way is to Practice 'Yoga'

Hi, for sleep apnea you can practice 'Yoga' regularly. This helps to increase the concentration power and also helps human body to be fit and fine. With my personal experiences I can give that much of assurance that you should be benefited by the practice of 'Yoga'. A few days ago I ran across a site, i.e. http://www.rvita.com. Watch this site. Hope this will be a helpful resource.

lily2008 wrote: Hi, for sleep apnea you can practice 'Yoga' regularly. This helps to increase the concentration power and also helps human body to be fit and fine. With my personal experiences I can give that much of assurance that you should be benefited by the practice of 'Yoga'. A few days ago I ran across a site, i.e. http://www.rvita.com. Watch this site. Hope this will be a helpful resource.

I am not heavy and have an athletic build. I have a bypap which breathes for me. It does not bother me wearing it at night and I wake up refreshed. Without it I average stopping breathing 66 times an hour. It is an obstructive type of apnea. (My tongue falls back in my throat and I can't breath) Without my bypap My choice is to start breathing on my own or die. I know 2 people that have died from not wearing the machine. They both had young kids. I also do practice some forms of Yoga though and will see what will work well for me. I also swim to Exercise daily year round.

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Never trust someone that has something to gain!!

I am sad to say my Father in law passed away due to sleep apnea. He had decided he no longer needed to wear his mask. He was in his early 70's.

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Never trust someone that has something to gain!!