I think I need a sleep study done!

My mother was sent to have a sleep study done because she has congestive heart failure and her cardiologist said since she has always had a hard time sleeping she needed one and it caused congestive heart failure.  Well she does have sleep apnea and has to be on the machine.  I have4 always had a hard time sleeping so I guess I will be next for a sleep study.

Lynette

[PastorDan]

A friend, when I was awaiting the day for my appointment at the sleep center, noted that she'd never known anyone referred for a study who wasn't told that they have sleep apnea and should be on CPAP.  The tech who wired me up for the night noted that he had seen quite a few, but acknowledged that nearly all persons sent to them for a study are pretty good candidates for a diagnosis in the first place, or they wouldn't be sent there.

However I got there, I do sleep much more peacefully, wake up feeling more rested, and am breathing much better.  Talk to your doc about it?  Or try Dr. Park, who was posting here the past several days or so; sleep medicine is his specialty, I believe.

[Steven Y Park, MD]

Just to clarify, I'm an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat physician and surgeon) who specializes in sleep-breathing disorders. I work closely with many great sleep-medicine doctors and dentists as well. Sleep medicine is now an interdisciplinary specialty made up of pulmonary medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, ENT and neurology.

With all the studies showing a strong association between heart disease and sleep-breathing problems, it's puzzling why there's no systematic screening process for all heart patients for possible sleep-breathing problems. One study showed that about 60% of people with pacemakers had obstructive sleep apnea!

[PastorDan]

Thanks for that info, Dr. Park.  We pray that you can keep in touch with our community.  Would that there were more neurologists around who seemed to approach their task with the concern, compassion, and dedication that you've shown to us here.

[nette573]

Thanks so much for your comments.  They were really helpful.  Lynette

[meg321]

I am going to do a sleep study In March, my dr thought it would be a good idea.  I have never slept well, its a messed up.  So it will be interesting if they can find a reason for it.  

Its too bad that years ago when I was aking about some of my problems like sleeping that they could have had some answers ti waiting til now.

Looking forward to it  though.

hugs, meg