Andrew Smith.
Student Number 10334910
Using Information Technology for Learning
Subject Number 015904 Module 2 Assessment Task 1
The topic of this
H0TLIST is SLEEP APNEA
I have chosen to create a hotlist on this topic as it has particular significance to me. After years of complaints about the noise of my snoring, and the fact that I seem to stop breathing during my sleep, I participated in a sleep study in December 2004. During an eight-hour test sleep period, it was found that Apneas and Hypopneas occurred at an average rate of 54 events per hour. The highest rate was 97 per hour. The oxygen level in my blood fell to a minimum of 79%. I have been diagnosed as suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea? This is a good place to start!
Sleep apnea has caused so much concern to the Australian Government that they have set up this informative web site concerning this sleep disorder where the sleeper stops breathing.
The first diagnostic step for me was to have a Home Embletta Sleep Study.
My GP referred me to a local office of this sleep centre.
ResMed is a leading respiratory medical device manufacturer, specialising in products for the screening, treatment and long-term management of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). This site shows an extensive product range.
The treatment decided on for me was CPAP . This site explains CPAP.
The machine that I use is an S8 AutoSet spirit. This links to a picture of it. It is coupled with a face mask which I wear each night.
Recent research has shown marked improvements in health of apnea sufferers using CPAP. June 2005 research results are here.
The
Power House Museam in Sydney has some fascinating material, including links between sleep apnea and high blood pressure and heart disease. I was able to cut my blood pressure medication in half after commencing CPAP treatment.
