YOU CAN HELP FRIENDS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND CO-WORKERS
WHO MAY HAVE SLEEP APNEA OR OTHER SLEEP DISORDERS.

Many of our patients express concern about loved ones and acquaintances likely to have sleep disorders--or who have not been adequately treated at other sleep centers.  We share your concerns:

• SLEEP APNEA appears more prevalent in men over 40 than diabetes and asthma. It is widespread among women and children as well.  It even occurs in slender individuals. Loud snoring is not always present.

• SLEEP APNEA AND RELATED DISORDERS "run in families" often afflicting multiple family members.

• THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF UNTREATED SLEEP APNEA include heart attack, heart failure, stroke, accelerated development of coronary disease, high blood pressure, depression, mood swings, job loss, school failure, fibromyalgia, highway crashes, poor memory and concentration, ADHD symptoms, chronic fatigue, repeated awakenings to urinate, impotennight sweats, headaches and violent behaviors in sleep.  While severe sleep apnea can prove fatal, death usually follows repeated complications with overwhelming medical expenses and prolonged suffering.

• SLEEP APNEA AND OTHER SLEEP DISORDERS are treatable!

• RELUCTANCE TO SEEK HELP IS COMMON.  Many people do not realize or believe that they have a problem.

• POOR CARE IS WIDESPREAD.  Many sleep centers are operated as a "sideline" or purely for profit.  Many do not evaluate patients thoroughly or ensure ongoing effective treatment--after which patients may be even more hesitant to pursue care for their sleep-related difficulties.
  

What can you do to help family members, friends and co-workers at possible risk? 

We suggest downloading and giving them the following handouts :

• A brief screening questionnaire to be completed by the person with symptoms and by those who has observed their sleep or daytime alertness.   The observers' comments often convince people of the need to seek care.  We review the questionnaire responses free of charge and send a letter with our impressions and recommendations.

 Information sheets on sleep related problems:

We are dedicated to making a difference for those in need. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about sleep disorders.

And if you are unsure if someone is likely to have a significant sleep disorder, click here for a helpful checklist.