Oxygen 'could help sleep apnoea and hypopnoea sufferers'
A specialised mask designed to improve the oxygen flow while sleeping could help individuals with sleep apnoea manage their condition.
This is according to Tom McClanahan, who wrote about his experiences of participating in a sleep study for MyWabashValley.com.
He commented that after spending a night at the UAP Clinic for Better Sleep, Dr Lawrence Dutz identified that he had been breathing shallowly.
The doctor identified the condition as hypopnoea - which means breathing that is shallow enough for blood oxygen levels to drop.
While this differs from sleep apnoea - which indicates the cessation of airflow - it has similar effects, including tiredness and risk of high blood pressure.
However, the doctor commented that the condition can be relieved with a breathing mask, as well as by changing Mr McClanahan's sleep surroundings.
This includes cutting down on evening caffeine intake and making sure his bedroom is dark.
Sleepwear firm Goodnighties also recently identified oxygen as a useful sleep aid, noting that people tend to enjoy a more restful night when their blood has been enriched with oxygen.
Posted by Jenny Richards
28/05/2010 10:58:46
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