Sleep Apnea Awareness
Week
Wilmington, DE: The American
Sleep Association is preparing for Sleep Apnea Awareness Week,
a national event focused on increasing public awareness about
this potentially deadly sleep disorder. The event will take
place during the first seven days of October.
Local and national members and affiliates of the American
Sleep Association (ASA) will be participating in the event.
ASA affiliated sleep disorder laboratories will be prepared
to answer questions from the public about sleep apnea. The
website, www.SleepApneaAwarenessWeek.com, sponsored by the
ASA, will feature a unique lecture on sleep apnea each day
during the week.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disorder characterized
by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep caused by a
temporary blockage in the throat. Over 5% of adults suffer
from obstructive sleep apnea. Most individuals affected by
the disorder are unaware of its presence. Dr. Neil Kline,
of the ASA, states, "Sleep apnea is associated with an
increased risk of motor vehicle accidents as well as an increase
risk of heart attack, stroke, and deadly heart rhythms. Yet,
it is easily treated once it is diagnosed."
There are a few options available for the treatment of obstructive
sleep apnea. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is
the most popular and successful treatment option. A mask placed
over
the nose delivers air pressure into the throat, preventing
the airway from closing during the night. Other treatment
options include a custom-made mouthpiece, weight loss, and
surgery.
Once treated, individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea often
feel significantly more alert, and also decrease their risk
of heart attacks, strokes, and accidents related to excessive
daytime sleepiness.
The American Sleep Association (ASA) is a national organization
focused on improving public awareness about sleep disorders,
promoting sleep medicine research, and providing a portal
for communication between patients, physicians/healthcare
professionals and scientists. The ASA is a member-driven public
service project. For further information about Sleep Apnea
Awareness Week, visit http://www.sleepassociation.org or http://www.SleepApneaAwarenessWeek.com
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