CPAP Users Stay More Alert, Have Better Focus on Driving - National Sleep Therapy Survey Reveals

Sleep Deprivation: A National Epidemic

Chronic fatigue is an epidemic in the U.S.: An estimated 18 million suffer from sleep-disordered breathing (sleep apnea), yet incredibly, a large majority of those afflicted have yet to be diagnosed. These people could be described as accidents waiting to happen, whether on the highway or at the workplace.

AAA found that one-third of drivers admit to having fallen asleep while driving at some point in their lives. Sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs judgment – similar to drugs or alcohol.

In an online survey conducted by National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com), a leading supplier of CPAP devices used to treat sleep apnea, 120 individuals with a history of sleep apnea who had begun physician-prescribed CPAP therapy: 48% reported they are able to stay awake more during the day; 40% reported they are better able to focus on driving and tasks; 28% report to have a better attitude; and 21% say they feel better overall. The online survey was developed by Eric Cohen, NST President and co-founder as a way to better appreciate the impact CPAP has on the company’s patient population.

One of the more dramatic examples of a sleep-deprived person who was doing his job while putting other people’s lives at risk is the engineer who began to doze, allowing his New York train to speed along at 80 mph – 50 mph above the speed limit – which led to a fatal derailment last year. Four people were killed and 61 were injured. National Traffic Safety Board investigators recently reported their findings: the engineer had severe obstructive sleep apnea that had not been diagnosed.

A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. Usually applied via a nasal mask, CPAP prevents apneas (temporary cessation of breathing) by keeping the airway open with a gentle airflow. Without CPAP therapy, the resulting chronic fatigue can lead to a host of serious diseases and a shorter lifespan.

Eric Cohen of National Sleep Therapy says, “We are constantly reminding people who think they or someone they know may have sleep apnea to ask their doctors to arrange a sleep test. The results of that test can determine if a person may need CPAP therapy in order to get a good night’s sleep.”

National Sleep Therapy has earned a reputation as an industry pioneer. The company sponsors a monthly free virtual support group -- ‘CPAP Talk Live!’ -- for people with sleep apnea and healthcare pros (www.cpaptalklive.com ), and offers live video support for patients. This past year, the company made the ‘Inc. 5000’ list as ‘One of Fastest-Growing Private U.S. Companies.’ For more information: 888.867.8840 or support@nstherapy.com.

Virtual Support Group for People with Sleep Apnea Draws Participants from 10 States









Thirty participants from 10 states joined in the November edition of ‘CPAP Talk - Live!, ’a one-of-a-kind, monthly free virtual support group designed for people suffering from sleep-disordered breathing (sleep apnea). Chronic fatigue is an epidemic in the U.S.: An estimated 18 million suffer from sleep apnea.

According to program host Eric Cohen, President and co-founder of National Sleep Therapy (www.nstherapy.com), callers represented nearly all the New England states. Some even joined the conversation from as far away as Georgia and Florida. Many participated for the first time to discuss their sleep issues, share sleep and CPAP tips, and learn about latest equipment designed to help people with sleep apnea to get a good night’s sleep.

CPAP (pronounced see-pap) is an acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Doctors often prescribe CPAP therapy for patients with sleep apnea. Besides affording a good night’s sleep, CPAP use eliminates snoring so others can sleep better, too.

The November session stirred much interest, featuring the new SoClean device that simultaneously disinfects a CPAP patient’s mask, headgear, hose and water chamber in about 7 minutes. The device, invented by a CPAP user, sanitizes the system by eliminating mold, bacteria and viruses. It uses no chemicals or solutions.

Cohen says, “When you get up in the morning, you put your mask in the unit, close the lid, and your entire CPAP system is sanitized quickly and automatically. It's a super easy way to keep everything clean. A dirty CPAP can be a breeding ground for germs, increasing the risk of getting sick, decreasing the CPAP’s effectiveness.”

‘CPAP Talk – Live!’ is held on the first Wednesday of each month and is open to all. National Sleep Therapy provides the monthly program as a community service. For anyone interested in joining the conversation during the December 3rd session from 7 – 8 p.m. (ET): Just prior to the session, call 1-800.204.6655, enter access code 342-2187#. Questions may be submitted in advance either via Facebook or use the cpaptalklive.com form. During each session, NST gives away a $25 gift card to one participant. For more information: 888.867.8840 or support@nstherapy.com.