Breathing easier

By Sara QuamA group of local residents are meeting regularly in search of a better night’s sleep.The Sleep Apnea Support Group gives local sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea a way to learn from experts and each other. Last week, the new group drew more than 40 people with the condition to its first meeting at Sioux Valley Home Medical Equipment, Luverne.Sleep apnea is the temporary cessation of breathing that happens to some people while they are sleeping. It affects 18 million Americans. Monte Owens, a registered respiratory therapist out of Sioux Valley Home Medical, said, "Basically, the support group lets people with sleep apnea get support and share ideas with each other while learning more about it."The first support group meeting had a bigger turnout than expected, and its members will meet in a larger facility in April.The meeting covered basic information about sleep apnea and hygiene of CPAP equipment. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It is commonly recognized as the nasal mask that forces airflow while people with apnea are sleeping.A serious conditionSleep apnea can be life threatening as well as life altering. People can die in their sleep when their airways collapse.Sioux Valley Home Medical Equipment Manager Brett Christiansen said it’s estimated that 90 percent of those who have sleep apnea are undiagnosed.The collapsed airway is caused by:
extra tissue in the back of the throat, such as large tonsils or uvula
a decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open
nasal obstruction
certain jaw or facial structures or attributes, such as a recessed chin.Statistics show that four in 100 middle-aged men have obstructive sleep apnea and one in 100 women have it.People need a sleep study prescribed by a doctor to be diagnosed with sleep apnea.Owens said, "This office follows orders from doctors treating people with apnea and guides them in correctly using therapy."Owens said apnea means more to people who have it than just feeling as if they haven’t rested well. "If they have sleep apnea," Owens said, "they have increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and are at higher risk for fatigue-related injuries."Owens talks about one patient who took medication for depression for years, and once she started the CPAP therapy, she didn’t need it anymore.Future meetings of the support group will include topics such as weight management and drowsy driving.What’s your snore score?While snoring is an indicator, people who snore don’t always have sleep apnea and people who have sleep apnea don’t always snore.Answer yes or no to the following questions to help determine if you suffer from sleep apnea:1. Are you a loud, habitual snorer, disturbing your bedroom companion? 2. Do you feel tired or groggy when you first wake up?3. Do you experience sleepiness and fatigue during waking hours?4. Are you overweight?5. Has anyone told you that you choke, gasp or hold your breath when sleeping?6. Do you frequently fall asleep watching TV or reading?7. Have you ever fallen asleep while driving?8. Is your neck size 17 or larger?If you answered yes to two or more of the questions, you should talk to your doctor about your symptoms.