Posted on 06/03/2022 3:02:49 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Here's what to watch for.
Film fans everywhere were shocked by the recent death of actor Ray Liotta, who reportedly died in his sleep on May 26 at the age of 67. This comes a few months after comedian Bob Saget, 65, died from a head injury while he was sleeping. While passing away during sleep seems peaceful and preferable to many, when it happens to people in their 60s (relatively young these days), it can seem scary. Although we don't know Liotta's cause of death, experts say 90% of sudden, unexpected deaths at night are caused by cardiac arrest. Here's how to avoid that, if at all possible. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.
1 Be Vigilant About Medications
People who have heart and lung disease and who take medication that affects the brain (including sedatives, antidepressants or pain medicine) have the greatest risk of dying in their sleep, Dr. Sumeet Chugh, medical director of Cedars-Sinai's Heart Rhythm Center, told the Wall Street Journal recently. He advised people in that group talk to their doctors about reducing risk. "Talk to your physicians again and say, 'Listen, do I need this extra sedative? Maybe I can try to manage with one instead of two.'" Even if that doesn't apply to you, being aware of potential interactions between medications, not to mention alcohol and other substances, is increasingly important as you get older.
2 Be Aware of Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes people to stop breathing for periods during sleep as soft tissues collapse into the airway. The body wakes up slightly so breathing can resume, repeating the process several times a night. If it sounds exhausting, your body agrees: Sleep apnea can raise the risk of heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest. The condition is treatable, but experts say 80 to 90 percent of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed. The prime symptom: Snoring. If you do it chronically, consult your doctor.
3 Don't Ignore Chest Pain
Chest pain isn't like a headache or hangover—trying to "sleep it off" could be a fatal mistake. Experts say that if you experience even mild discomfort, pressure, tightness or squeezing in the chest area; pain in the neck, jaw, back or shoulders; shortness of breath; or lightheadedness, it could be a sign of a heart attack. Call 911 immediately.
4 Be Vigilant About Heart Health
Regular physical exams will keep you up-to-date on your heart health. Many heart problems or signs of heart disease can be identified with a routine EKG. Year round, practicing heart-healthy habits—eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and drinking alcohol only in moderation—can go a long way.
4 Get Enough Quality Sleep
Sleep isn't a health risk—far from. Not getting enough quality sleep on a regular basis has been linked with a variety of health problems, from obesity and diabetes to dementia and heart disease. Last month, scientists said they've determined the ideal amount of sleep for people in middle and old age: Seven hours a night. Getting six hours or less has been associated with cardiovascular disease. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
It’s dangerous out there...the atmosphere is FULL of poison COVID gas.
I read today that Santa Clara County is re-instituting the mask mandate. That Sarah Cody is nuts. That is not going to go over well at all.
I hope to die quietly in my sleep like Grandpa did behind the wheel. Not like the screaming passengers in his car as he went over the cliff.
Where did you read that? I hadn’t heard about Santa Clara County bringing it back.
What a blessing to die peacefully in your sleep!
What are these idiots talking about? Yes, lets make sure we die hooked up to Chemo or in a coma or paralyzed on one side from a stroke or in a nursing home?
Idiots. Just idiots. I hope the list is accurate. I want to violate every rule so I can raise my odds of dying in my sleep!
Well, I hope you have many more. Was this trench you expected to be occupied by U.S. forces?
—
No we were ambushed with us in the open and the enemy in the tree line. The Sgt told us to attack the treeline and so we attacked the treeline. The shooting stopped before I reached the trench and I thought they had done what they meant to do and moved deeper in the jungle.
I personally witnessed Scalia smoking at a bar association event where he was the guest of honor. My understanding is that he was a heavy smoker, drinker, and eater, and suffered from sleep apnea, obesity, diabetes, and pulmonary disease, but why let the facts get in the way of a good conspiracy theory.
If knowng something about the Clintons is enough, the DNC should have imploded by now.
I’d much prefer to die peacefully in my sleep like my Grandpa did, not screaming the way his passengers did.
I am just saying, given how important he was, I wish he’d taken better care of himself. Especially since Juliane Malveaux said in the 90s that she hoped Clarence Thomas’ wife would feed him eggs, so he had a heart attack.
My wife read it on the web today. Not sure where.
No kidding! If I did that, I would get to ride the meat wagon nigh on every night...
My understanding is that Thomas, despite being big, is in pretty good shape, works out several times a week, and still plays basketball with the law clerks.
Yeah that 2d number 4 is going to get me.
LOL! 👍👍👍
So does Jim Hoft if you give him the chance.
Don’t go to bed with any women who scores 9 or higher on the Hot and Crazy Matrix chart.
“Don’t use a cpap - puts bad stuff in you”
“What would you suggest?”
A long haired overweight cat lying on your chest, staring intently at you, has reportedly been somewhat effective.
If someone’s already posted this joke, my apologies. I haven’t read any posts.
“I want to die like my grandfather died, peacefully in his sleep, not screaming in terror, as his passengers in the car died.”
“Thank you, thank you. I’m here all week. Try the veal, it’s excellent!”
I feel bad because I made some negative remarks about CPAP the other day. Ya know, if you need it, you need it. Some people think it’s the greatest thing ever. I worked for sleep doctors and all I ever thought was “Wow, you must really be having problems if you want to try this crazy s**t out!” but that’s just me.
CPAP can really help you if you have airway obstruction that keeps you from getting a good night’s sleep, or if you have some sort of medical condition that keeps your oxygen saturation low - and there are many other reasons to use it.
Y’all are right to criticize me for being a wet blanket sometimes. But in my own defense, I’ve never trusted or liked doctors and - at this point - I observe that many are starting to come over to the dark side with me. (We’ll let you drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes. And antagonize Hillary.)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.