FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Edward Grandi
202/293-3650
casaa@sleepapnea.org
AMERICANS ASKED TO TEST THEIR "SNORE SCORE" ON SLEEP APNEA AWARENESS DAY, THURSDAY, MARCH 31
Special Day During National Sleep Awareness Week® Devoted to Common But Often Undiagnosed Sleep Disorder
Washington, DC March 10, 2005 – Millions of Americans have no idea that they suffer from a sleep disorder that stops them from breathing, hundreds of times a night, sometimes for as long as a minute.
It’s called sleep apnea, a common and potentially life threatening medical disorder often characterized by loud and continuous snoring. On March 31, 2005, the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) will partner with the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) to increase awareness of this affliction during National Sleep Awareness Week (March 28-April 3, 2005).
On that day, the two groups are asking Americans of all ages to answer a simple questionnaire to determine their "Snore Score" to see whether they may be at risk for sleep apnea. The ASAA encourages those who answer "yes" to any of the questions to consult their primary care physician to see if further testing is needed. A recent NSF poll found that more than one-third of America’s adults (37 percent) reported that they snored frequently. One in five said he/she snored almost every night.
"While most people think snoring is just annoying, snoring can be an indicator of a greater problem – sleep apnea," said Rochelle Goldberg, MD, ASAA president and sleep specialist. "Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to other, potentially fatal health problems such as cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, as evidenced by the improvement of my own patients, it can be treated effectively."
NSF and ASAA are encouraging their respective members to team up to raise awareness of sleep apnea. These nationwide groups include sleep centers that are members of NSF’s Community Sleep Awareness Partners® (CSAP) program, and the A.W.A.K.E. network of support groups for people with sleep apnea.
"Beyond being a potential indicator of sleep apnea, snoring disrupts sleep, and lack of sleep can cause daytime sleepiness. Daytime sleepiness, in turn, can negatively affect job performance and overall quality of life, for both the snorer and whomever is sleeping next to that person. It can also put a person at risk for drowsy driving," said Edward Grandi. "That’s why we urge people to test themselves on the ‘Snore Score’ and discuss the results with a doctor, if necessary."
Once diagnosed, different treatment options exist for sleep disordered breathing problems. Patients can consult with their physician about the best option for them. For more information on sleep apnea, visit www.sleepapnea.org and www.sleepfoundation.org.
# # #
Return to Top
