by Marsha Welch

Created on: April 30, 2008

Do people tell you that you snore? Do you often fall asleep in the middle of an activity, such as watching television, having a conversation, working or driving? Do you feel as though you sleep soundly, but you still feel sleepy most of the time? Have you gained a lot of weight, mostly in your stomach? Does your mouth feel dry, or have an unpleasant tasting coating when you wake up?

These are among the most common symptoms reported by people who have a condition known as sleep apnea. Simply put, sleep apnea is the interruption of sleep from an obstruction or hindrance to breathing.

There are several signs and symptoms to indicate a POSSIBLE need for a CPAP device, but the only way to know with certainty is to be tested in a medical sleep study, under the supervision of a qualified physician.

These studies involve going to a sleep laboratory and allowing your sleep to be monitored by equipment which can determine with accuracy how many times you stop breathing within a certain time frame. You will have sensors which look like clothing snaps attached to strategic places on your body to take various measurements. Cameras will also monitor your movements during sleep and allow the technician to watch your sleep activity.

The test results will show your doctor whether or not you have sleep apnea, and if your apnea is severe enough to warrant a CPAP device A CPAP device consists of a machine, placed at your bedside which has a mask and forces air into your body past the obstruction. There are masks which cover only the nose, and others which cover the nose and mouth. Most people who breathe through their mouth will benefit more from the mask covering both. Some types of apnea can be corrected with surgery, if diagnosed in time. If this isn't possible for you, the CPAP device can probably help.

My husband has sleep apnea, and the doctor told him that he would likely be taking years off of his lifespan if he didn't use the CPAP. He said it causes distress in the entire body, deprives the brain of oxygen and deprives you of adequate rest. My husband actually fell asleep while driving down a very busy roadway! I heard a noise coming from his side of the vehicle, looked over to ask what it was, and realized it was him SNORING! I grabbed the wheel and told him I was revoking his license until he received the proper medical care, which he promptly did. Now, my nights are so peaceful that I actually had to adjust to no longer hearing him snore.

I'm no professional, but I hope this will encourage you to seek one if you suspect you have sleep apnea. It's a choice that could truly save your life.

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