How I did it: I was having recurring throat issues and went to a clinic as my regular doc is closed on the weekend.  She exclaimed at my large tonsils and mentioned sleep apnea several times.  I dismissed it initially, as I thought that was something 50 year old men who weigh 400 lbs get, not me!! But driving home, it occurred to me maybe this was why I was drifting off every time I sat down to read, watch tv or use the computer.  I mentioned it to my doctor 2 weeks later, who sent me to an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor.  I had to wait 3 months for the appointment.  He told me I had very small nasal and throat openings and that my tonsils were indeed very large, making it even smaller.  He sent me for a sleep study and it came back saying I had severe sleep apnea, I was stopping breathing about 100x an hour while I slept!  Another sleep study using a machine called CPAP showed that with the machine at the right setting it was down to 1x an hour.  I got the machine (at no cost thanks insurance!) and now sleep soundly every night.  I am able to read and watch tv again and I am not afraid to drive a long distance.  I'm also much less cranky with the kids at school and have more energy at work. 

Lessons & tips: If you are falling asleep during the day, go to your doctor!  Sleep apnea can lead to heart attacks and strokes!

Resources: An Ear, Nose and Throat doctor and a sleep clinic

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Nov 11, 2009, 12:52PM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer