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.
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.
