While my problem was indeed exacerbated by my weight, I believe I had the problem even when I was in college and definitely not overweight. Over the years, I added a few pounds each year, then I had a knee injury 14 years ago and my weight increased significantly. My CPAP pressure had to be adjusted up each year, to the point that I didn't want to be compliant with keeping it on all night, but I NEEDED to.
Two years ago I started actively trying to lose weight when I topped 240. I'm now down 40 pounds, and my CPAP pressure is down nearly 50%. I've got at least 20 pounds to go before I reassess how low to go. The studies about long term implications are irrelevant to me - CPAP lets me sleep in peace! That said, I've got to think waking up in the middle of the night with your heart racing and gasping for breath is not a positive thing! ;^)
Congratulations on the weight loss and that the CPAP helps you so much.
I am sure that treatment for sleep disorders helps many, many people. But also think that (as with so many things in medical fields today) there are likely way too many referrals for sleep studies and treatments, such as for those patients on Medicare, that take place just because some else will pay for it.
The studies about long term implications are irrelevant to me - CPAP lets me sleep in peace! That said, I've got to think waking up in the middle of the night with your heart racing and gasping for breath is not a positive thing! ;^)
Also, the stress on your spouse can be as bad or worse on them as you. when you have those problems breathing.
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>> “ I don’t like waking up with my heart racing, gasping for breath and feeling like I am dying” <<
Have you ever tried 8-10 drops of Lugol’s Iodine daily?
It works better than CPAP for most. (it raises Thyroid function, which lifts body temperature just enough to make your immune system fully functional)
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