EP 921 - Is Your Sleepiness Serious?

According to American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine the accident risk is two to six times higher for those suffering from sleep apnea than it is for regular drivers. Everyday, car crashes are caused by drivers with sleep apnea falling asleep at the wheel.

I grew up with people who snored.  I thought that everyone did.  And I thought, like most people, that it was no big deal.  However, people with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to have motor vehicle crashes, hypertension, heart attacks, irregular heartbeat stroke, depression, impotence and diabetes.

Do You Think You May Have Sleep Apnea?

Are you often very sleepy throughout the day?

Do others tell you that you snore or have short pauses in your breathing while you sleep?

Are you known to choke, gasp, or hold your breath while asleep?

Do you think you get a full night’s sleep most nights but still wake up tired?

Are you overweight?

The Public Health Agency of Canada found that 26%of Canadian adults aged 18 years and older are estimated to be at high risk for having sleep apnea and only 5% of people at high risk have been tested for the condition.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Sleep Apnea Day:

If in doubt, get it checked out.  Go to see your doctor and ask for a referral to a sleep clinic.

Decrease your risk. You can control your diet and weight, how much you exercise, how you use alcohol and caffeine and whether you smoke.  All of these can lower your risk for sleep apnea.

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