Learn How To Stop Snoring Without Surgery Blog

An estimated 18 million people suffer sleep apnea, although many have never been diagnosed. Millions more cope with restless legs syndrome, insomnia or narcolepsy, marked by excessive daytime sleepiness even after a good night’s sleep.

Fifty years ago, the field of sleep medicine didn’t exist.

But today, as scientists gain greater understanding of the intricacies of sleep and develop better treatments, more people are seeking help for problems that can have serious medical consequences.

The death last year of football player Reggie White from complications possibly related to sleep apnea heightened awareness.

“It’s not just the snoring and holding of breath, but there are lots of medical issues associated with sleep apnea — high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and on rare occasions, sudden death,” said Dr. Frederick Nachtwey, who directs the Sleep Disorders Center at Doctors Medical Center Pinole.

Many experts predict that as the nation copes with obesity, apnea will continue to rise. Studies show that people who are overweight are at greater risk for the condition.

(info from http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050617/LIVING01/506170310)