CPAP Wholesale Blog

ADD or Sleep Deprivation — Could Sleep Apnea Machines Be The Next Ritalin?

May 26, 2009 on 3:59 pm | In Uncategorized | No Comments

While experts may have a difficulty telling whether ADD is the direct result of a sleep disorder, the connection between the two is undeniable. Instead of opting for ADD medications, many patients and parents are trying sleep apnea machines, also called C PAP machines, to determine if their ‘ADD’ is really sleep apnea in disguise.

The Common Misdiagnosis

ADD, or Attention deficit disorder, is when someone suffers from mood swings, an inability to concentrate for long periods, behavioral issues, and difficulty completing tasks to an acceptable standard. These are also some of the same symptoms experienced with sleeping disorders, making the two difficult to separate. In fact, researchers believe a high percentage of children currently diagnosed with attention conditions might not need anything other than sleep apnea machines to treat their problems.

In a recent study, 50 patients considered to have ADD participated in a sleep study test called a polysomnogram. As a result of the sleep study, 66% (33 people) were found to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. These 33 people were given sleep apnea machines and asked to wear them during the night. By the end of the test, only 15 people out of the original 50 were considered to suffer from ADD or some other condition.

Determining The Difference Between Sleep Disorders And ADD

Sleep studies are one of the best ways to determine if you suffer from a sleeping disorder rather than ADD. During this test, you check into the facility where you will have equipment such as a polysomnogram attached. This machine keeps track of a number of different functions including sleep patterns, oxygen levels, brain activity, muscle tone, heart rate and rhythm, and breathing. During the test, a trained expert observes your sleep pattern and record anything of note during the study.

The Consequences Of Leaving Sleep Disorders Untreated

Many see the possibility of having a sleeping problem as minor in comparison to other conditions they may deal with. However, if you do suffer from a sleep disorder, the consequences of not getting the proper C PAP treatment can dramatically affect your life — and may be irreparable.

Studies have shown that suffering from sleep deprivation for long periods of time can be directly correlated with a loss in IQ and be the cause of difficulties with social interaction. Physical problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other ailments are also common symptoms that only continue to worsen without the treatment of sleep apnea machines.

If you or a loved one may be suffering from ADD or similar mental condition, a sleep study and one of the many sleep apnea machines available may be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Professional Drivers And Sleep Apnea — Should Drivers Be Issued CPAP Masks?

May 16, 2009 on 3:25 pm | In Uncategorized | No Comments

Research has shown those suffering from this sleep disorder are seven times more likely to have an accident. For the past several years, health organizations such as the American College of Occupation and Environment Medicine (ACOEM), the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), and the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) have promoted sleep apnea testing for commercial drivers.

When you consider there are approximately 2.4 – 3.9 million commercial truck drivers alone, CPAP masks could be preventing millions of accidents and at least that many lives.

Sleep Apnea And Its Causes

Two types of conditions can be the root cause of sleep apnea. The first is when the brain fails to send and receive the proper neurological signals that tell your body to inhale and exhale. The second is known as ‘obstructive sleep apnea,’ meaning that something either blocks or closes off the airway causing breathing to stop. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea — but also the most treatable.

Obesity is one of the most common causes of sleep apnea. Because professional drivers spend so much time being stationary, they are more prone to weight conditions, and therefore, are at higher risk for this kind of condition. Once they develop this malady, men and women are both at higher risk for diseases such as strokes, heart disease, and high blood pressure — and sleep apnea.

Why Drivers With Sleep Apnea Can Be Fatal to Motorists

The effects of long-term sleep deprivation can be devastating to the sufferer. But when a sleep deprived person is behind the wheel of a multi-ton semi-truck, the effects can be devastating to the public as a whole. When drivers do not receive the proper amount of sleep, and particularly regenerative REM rest, they become slower to react, inattentive, have poorer decision-making skills, and may even fall asleep while driving.

Fighting For A Diagnosis And Proper Treatment

Confusion over testing and treatment with CPAP masks has resulted in a large number of professional drivers going untested, undiagnosed, and untreated. Many patients might not be aware that they have sleep apnea.

Surgery is a treatment option in some instances, but it isn’t the norm. Other treatments such as weight loss and exercise programs can help alleviate the symptoms if obesity is the cause. The most common treatment method is the use of CPAP masks and machines. These small machines force air through a small tube, into the CPAP mask, and through your airway preventing obstruction.

Sleep apnea may not seem like it is initially responsible for vehicle accidents, but it certainly can be traced back to the core of many accidents. Many organizations feel that testing should be made mandatory for anyone who spends time driving large machines or working around equipment. When truck drivers are in a healthy, alert state of mind, everyone is safer.