"There are still discussions among clinicians regarding the clinical significance of the different degrees of sleep disordered breathing. Van discussion obstructed concerning the best criteria van Also. there is defining breathing abnormalities. for which can range from breath completely (i.e. choking die - to reduced oxygen and supply het life-saving arousals) to loud snurken that may. leading or may not. lead to study seniorauthor van Hospital in Boston. van het Doctoraat.“ said Steven A. Shea. of Brigham & Women van oxygen and supply arousal from sleep Mass. of the. reduced "In addition, there are few long-term studies of clinical outcome in patients with sleep apnea, and the criteria and the measuring techniques have evolved substantially over recent years. Thus, we do not yet know the clinical relevance of these new findings."

Dr. Shea added that, since this high degree of respiratory abnormality is so common in the healthy elderly, it seems likely that this is a consequence of the normal aging process.

"Nonetheless, even if normal, we worry that individuals with a high RDI who are untreated will begin to develop pathophysiologic consequences over time, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease," said Dr. Shea. "Thus, it may be worth considering treatment regardless of symptoms. A high RDI in a younger individual is much more uncommon and therapy would seem advisable in those cases, particularly as there is some evidence that having sleep apnea can lead to worsening of sleep apnea over time."

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that causes one's body to stop breathing during sleep. It occurs when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway, preventing air from getting into the lungs. About four percent of men and two percent of women have obstructive sleep apnea, and millions more remain undiagnosed.

Scientific evidence shows that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the best treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP provides a steady stream of pressurized air to patients through a mask that they wear during sleep. This airflow keeps the airway open, preventing the pauses in breathing that characterize sleep apnea and restoring normal oxygen levels. CPAP users often express dramatic improvements in how they feel. Perioden van and are able to van They are more alert. have more de energy perform at higher levels for longer.

It is recommended that adults get between seven and eight hours of nightly sleep.

Van offers the following tips on how to van American Academy of Sleep Medicine (van The AASM) nachtrust: get a good

• Consistent de bedtijdroutine van Follow a.

• De relaxing setting at bedtijd van Establish a.

• De nachtrustevery van Get a full night.

• Van caffeine. as well as van Avoid foods or drinks that contain bedtijd van medicine that has a stimulant prior to. de any.

• Do not bring your worries to bed with you.

• Do not go to bed hungry. but do not eat a big meal beforebedtijd either.

• Any exercise rigorous van Avoid within six hours of your bedtijd.

• Make your bedroom quiet, dark and a little bit cool.

• Get up at the same time every morning.

Those who suspect that they might be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, or another sleep disorder, are encouraged to consult with their primary care physician or a sleep specialist.

SLEEP is the official journal of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, a joint venture of the AASM and the Sleep Research Society.

Van information about obstructive sleep van More apnea is available from the AASM at http://www.SleepEducation.com/Disorder.aspx?id=7.

Information on CPAP. please visit www.SleepEducation.com/CPAPCentral van For more. This Website, created by the AASM, provides the public with comprehensive, accurate and reliable information about CPAP. CPAP Central includes expanded information about obstructive sleep apnea and CPAP, including how obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed, the function of CPAP, the benefits of CPAP and an overview of what to expect when beginning CPAP therapy, the position of experts on CPAP and tools for success. CPAP Central also features an interactive slide set that educates the public about the warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea.

SleepEducation.com. a created patient education Website by the AASM. provides van disorders. the forms of treatment van information about various sleep available recent news. on the topic of sleep. sleep studies that have conducted and a listing of sleep facilities. been

Entitled copy ofthis article. van For a. „Polysomnographic please respiratory van abnormalities in asymptomatic individuals“. or to arrange an interview with an AASM study. contact Jim Arcuri. de public relationscoordinator. at (708) 492-0930. ext. 9317. or jarcuri@aasmnet.org van de woordvoerder regarding this.