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The Apnea Patient's News, Education & Awareness Network |
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The Apnea Patient's News, Education & Awareness Network |
This page last updated 02/11/2003
A Press Release from the American Sleep Apnea Association
WASHINGTON, March 17 -- Snoring may be no laughing matter. In fact, for more
than 12 million Americans, loud snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, a medical disorder
with potentially life-threatening consequences. The American Sleep Apnea Association has
designated Monday, March 29 as National Sleep Apnea Awareness Day to educate Americans
about this specific sleep disorder and to help the 10 million people who have not been
diagnosed.
A recent study published in New England Journal of Medicine (March 18, 1999) examines the
strong link between untreated sleep apnea and car crashes. This study reiterates the
critical need to raise awareness about the symptoms of sleep apnea and increase diagnosis
and treatment for the condition.
Sleep apnea is a common disorder most often identified by interruptions in breathing
during sleep, followed by loud or heavy snoring and falling asleep easily and sometimes
inappropriately. Each time breathing stops, the brain signals those with sleep apnea to
arouse briefly from sleep in order to resume breathing. Consequently, sleep is fragmented
and of poor quality. People with untreated sleep apnea are generally not aware of the
awakenings but are extremely sleepy during the day.
If left untreated, sleep apnea has potentially serious health consequences including high
blood pressure and other cardiovascular complications, morning headaches, feelings of
depression, impotence and memory problems. Effective diagnostic tools and treatment
options for sleep apnea are available and proper treatment can dramatically improve the
quality of life for people with the condition.
Wade Phillips, the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, is a sleep apnea patient currently
using CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy to alleviate the symptoms of
sleep apnea. "Honestly, it was my wife who complained about my snoring and who wanted
me to do something about it. I didn't realize how tired I was until I started being
treated -- the difference before and after is amazing."
With this year's theme for National Sleep Apnea Awareness Day, Snoring May be No Laughing
Matter: Do Something About It!, the ASAA encourages the American public to take the first
step on Monday, March 29 in recognizing undiagnosed sleep apnea. The Association has
developed a short list of questions, known as "The Snore Score," to help people
determine if they or someone they know suffers from sleep apnea.
What's Your Snore Score? Yes No
1. Are you a loud, habitual snorer?
2. Do you feel tired and groggy on awakening?
3. Are you often sleepy during waking hours?
4. Are you overweight?
5. Have you been observed to choke, gasp or hold your breath during sleep?
If people answer "yes" to any of these questions, they should discuss their
symptoms with a physician or sleep specialist.
"Unrecognized sleep apnea is a serious medical concern facing millions of
Americans," said Richard Waldhorn, M.D., President of the American Sleep Apnea
Association. "Fortunately, sleep apnea can be treated effectively. Patients and their
doctors should discuss any symptoms of sleep apnea they may have and take action."
The ASAA is grateful to National Sleep Apnea Awareness Day sponsors:
Respironics, Inc.
AirSep Corporation,
Mallinckrodt, Inc.
National Sleep Technologies, Inc.
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