Les Jones: Off to the Sleep Apnea Lab

August 28, 2006

Home Life > Off to the Sleep Apnea Lab

I went for a sleep apnea consultation today. The doctor thinks it's pretty likely I have it. There was an opening in the sleep lab tonight, and since it can take weeks to get in I jumped on it. I go in at 8:00 and spend all night there being tested while I sleep. The lab doesn't have WiFi - I asked - but I'm taking the laptop in case I can find an open access point. If so, I'll have more later on, and if not I'll swing by a Starbucks for breakfast and let you know how it went.

Sleep apnea is a fairly serious condition in that it has long-term affects, particularly on your heart. The good news is that it's easily treatable without drugs using a CPAC machine, so it's no big deal either way. That Wikipedia link above is a good source of information, and this FAQ is brief and informative.

Symptoms of sleep apnea

From Wikipedia. Additional signs of obstructive sleep apnea include restless sleep, and loud snoring (with periods of silence followed by gasps). Other symptoms are non-specific: morning headaches, trouble concentrating, irritability, forgetfulness, mood or behavior changes, increased heart rate, anxiety, depression, increased frequency of urination, bedwetting, esophageal reflux and heavy sweating at night.

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Comments

Good on ya. Hopefully, you're goin' to the sleep lab at Centennial (which used to be in the Women's Hospital, for some reason). Last time I was there, four years ago or so, they'd just gotten the TempurPedic mattresses... oh, man, they are SCHWEET. Sure, they're great in the store, but sleep one night on one, and it's just heaven -- even with all the electrodes glued to ya. I've envied one ever since.
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Posted by: Jeffraham Prestonian at August 28, 2006

Good luck. I doubt you will have time to do the laptop thing, but maybe. I've been tested three times. Getting a CPAP really was one of the best things to happen to me.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Machine is small and travels easily. I feel fully refreshed when I wake up these days.

Posted by: countertop at August 28, 2006

Thanks, guys.

I slept great. No wifi, but it's just as well. I watched a little TV and fell asleep a little earlier than normal. Waiting for the results now.

Posted by: Les Jones at August 29, 2006