FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 27, 2003
CONTACT: Christin Engelhardt
202/293-3650
SNORING GOT YOU DOWN?
GET HELP NOW.
Monday, March 31 is National Sleep Apnea Awareness Day
Actor George Kennedy Serves as Honorary Chairman of the Day
Washington, D.C. No one wants to admit to snoring, but talking to your doctor about it can save your life. Just ask George Kennedy. After all, snoring can get you down: it can drain your energy and damage your health.
"I knew I snored, but I didn’t know that meant I had a medical disorder. Fortunately, my new doctors asked me last year about my snoring, and once diagnosed with sleep apnea, I began treatment which has turned my life around," Mr. Kennedy said.
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. People with untreated sleep apnea literally stop breathing numerous times in their sleep each night, sometimes for more than two minutes. Each time breathing ceases, the brain signals those with sleep apnea to arouse briefly from sleep in order to resume breathing. As a result, sleep is constantly fragmented, leaving untreated apneics extremely tired. Besides snoring, symptoms include falling asleep easily and/or sometimes inappropriately, memory problems, irritability, and morning headaches. People sleeping close to the sufferer are more likely to be aware of the snoring and the apneas.
"I know personally that untreated sleep apnea can have serious consequences. In my case, my doctors said it weakened my heart so much that I had to have triple bypass surgery," Mr. Kennedy noted. "Yet I’m one of the lucky ones who is diagnosed and well-treated: most people with sleep apnea remain untreated. I am pleased to help the ASAA reach the millions who still suffer from this common but rarely recognized disorder. The sooner they get help for sleep apnea, the better."
Several studies show untreated sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for high blood pressure; studies also suggest an association between untreated sleep apnea and stroke as well as other cardiovascular disease such as congestive heart disease and myocardial infarction. Additional consequences of untreated sleep apnea include reflux (heartburn), nocturia (the need to use the bathroom frequently at night), feelings of depression, and weight gain.
Rochelle Goldberg, MD, President of the ASAA and a sleep specialist, says Americans should not brush off snoring. "While most people think of snoring as just annoying, snoring can be a burden to your health. Sleep-disordered breathing should be evaluated by a doctor or sleep specialist. Left untreated, sleep apnea can cause much harm. Fortunately, it can be treated effectively, and I see every day the benefit of treatment in my patients."
On Monday, March 31, National Sleep Apnea Awareness Day, Americans should ask themselves if snoring is getting them (or their bedpartners) down. For more information on sleep apnea, they can visit the website, www.sleepapnea.org. Those who think they may have sleep-disordered breathing should discuss their symptoms with their physician or a sleep specialist. Different treatment options exist, and, once diagnosed, patients can speak to their doctor about which option is best.
George Kennedy began his film career in 1961 and has starred in numerous movies and television shows. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Cool Hand Luke.
Patients, family members, and sleep specialists are available for interviews. To make arrangements, contact the ASAA. Additional information is also available on the web site, www.sleepapnea.org.
The American Sleep Apnea Association is grateful to Respironics, Inc. for sponsoring National Sleep Apnea Awareness Day.
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