Ashley Wood Profile Image

Ashley Wood

Staff Writer
Registered Nurse

Biography
Ashley is a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It is no surprise she likes writing about health information that encourages and enables others to live their healthiest life possible. Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hiking, and photography during her free time.

Read Ashley's Latest Articles

obese man snoring

October 2, 2023

Pickwickian Syndrome

If you are a person with obesity who has trouble breathing, you may have Pickwickian syndrome. Learn more about this…

a baby sleeping

September 28, 2023

Sleep Apnea in Babies

Although sleep apnea is more common in adults, infants can develop both obstructive and central sleep apnea. Learn the symptoms,…

male patient talks to doctor

September 25, 2023

Sleep Apnea and Erectile Dysfunction

Millions of people are affected by erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea. Learn what studies reveal about the connections between these…

a woman snoring

September 22, 2023

What Causes Snoring in Women?

Snoring can be a frustrating symptom for women and their bed partners. Learn about common causes of snoring in women…

Mouth Taping for Sleep

September 19, 2023

Mouth Taping for Sleep

Wondering whether mouth taping might help you stop snoring? Learn about mouth taping for snoring, whether it’s safe, and other…

woman waking up gasping for air

September 7, 2023

Understanding Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea

Both sleep apnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) can cause you to wake up at night, gasping for breath. Learn…

Woman drinking water

July 26, 2023

CPAP Dry Mouth: How to Stop It

Experiencing dry mouth from your CPAP machine? We discuss the causes of dry mouth and how to prevent it to…

Woman visiting her doctor regarding sleep apnea solutions

July 20, 2023

What Are Micro-CPAP Devices and Do They Work?

Wondering whether a micro-CPAP device may be a treatment option for you? Learn more about these devices and how they…

sleeping dog

July 11, 2023

Can Dogs Have Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can be an issue for some dogs. Find out if your dog is at risk, what to look…

Man getting an Obstructive Sleep Apnea diagnosis

June 26, 2023

Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Doctors take several factors into account when diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea. Learn about sleep studies and the diagnosis and treatments…

A patient receives a prescription for a CPAP from their doctor

June 26, 2023

Do You Need a Prescription for a CPAP Machine?

Wondering how to get a CPAP machine and whether you need a prescription? We discuss when to talk to a…

Woman wondering id medical insurance covers CPAP

June 22, 2023

Does Insurance Cover CPAP?

Wondering if your insurance plan will cover CPAP equipment? Learn about whether Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurers cover CPAP machines…

doctor talking to patient in office

June 1, 2023

ASV Machines

ASV machines treat central sleep apnea and other breathing disorders by making real-time pressure adjustments to promote consistent and stable…

a young girl sleeping under colorful blankets and snoring softly

May 23, 2023

Snoring in Children

Snoring is a common condition in children of all ages. Learn when to be concerned about snoring and how doctors…

senior man in bed holding his head in pain

May 17, 2023

Sleep Apnea Headaches

Do you have morning headaches? Learn about sleep apnea headaches, how they differ from other types of headaches, and how…

At-Home Sleep Study

August 30, 2023

At-Home Sleep Study

Home sleep apnea tests are a convenient alternative to lab tests. Find out how they work and if they may…

Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

September 25, 2023

Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Have you been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea? Learn about treatments for this condition and how your doctor might identify…

What is Sleep Apnea?

September 28, 2023

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is an involuntary cessation of breathing that occurs while the patient is asleep. The Greek word "apnea" literally…

A young blonde woman sleeping on her side

May 11, 2023

How Weight Affects Sleep Apnea

Gaining weight may increase the risk of sleep apnea, but can sleep apnea cause weight gain? Learn more about the…

Older man holding a cpap mask

May 8, 2023

How to Use a CPAP Machine for Better Sleep

Getting started with CPAP therapy? Learn how to set up and use a CPAP machine including tips to help you…

A woman is snoring

May 4, 2023

78.4% of Us May Not Really Know What Sleep Apnea Is

What is sleep apnea? More than 30% of U.S. adults say they don't know, and 3 of 4 can't identify…

Cpap machine with a hose and cpap mask on top of a bed

May 4, 2023

How Much Do CPAP Machines Cost?

Need a CPAP machine and wondering how much it will cost? Learn about the typical pricing for CPAP machines, other…

Cpap machine sitting on a table next to a sleeping man with a cpap mask on

April 27, 2023

CPAP Pressure Settings

Wondering if your CPAP has the right pressure settings? Learn about how CPAP pressure works and how to know if…

Close up of a senior man snoring in bed

April 3, 2023

Is Sleep Apnea Genetic?

Some genes and inherited traits are associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Learn about these, as well as the risk factors…

A girl sleeping peacefully in bed

April 12, 2023

Sleep Respiratory Rate

Curious about your respiratory rate while sleeping? We discuss rates by age group, what it means about your health, and…

woman sitting at a computer, not feeling well

March 28, 2023

CPAP and COVID-19

Millions of people in the United States have been prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device to improve their…

Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)

March 24, 2023

Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)

AHI stands for apnea-hypopnea index, a measure used to diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity. Learn how AHI is…

Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea

February 13, 2023

Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea

Lifestyle changes, together with medical treatment, may improve sleep apnea in some people. Learn about home remedies to help you…

How Sleep Apnea Affects Blood Pressure

February 9, 2023

How Sleep Apnea Affects Blood Pressure

Studies have found links between obstructive sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Learn how sleep apnea may cause hypertension and…

STOP-Bang Score for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

January 30, 2023

STOP-Bang Score for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The STOP-Bang Questionnaire may help your doctor assess your risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more about STOP-Bang scores and…

Sleep Apnea and Stroke Risk

September 22, 2023

Sleep Apnea and Stroke Risk

There is a well-known link between sleep apnea and stroke. We cover this connection and why treating sleep apnea is…

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

August 25, 2023

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Snoring, breathing difficulties, and sleepiness can be symptoms of sleep apnea. Learning about these signs can help you decide when…

Philips CPAP Recalls

April 15, 2024

Philips CPAP Recalls

Worried about the Philips CPAP recall? Learn about which devices are affected, the potential health risks, and what steps to…

FDA Warns Against Certain At-Home Cleaners for Your CPAP Machine

January 20, 2023

FDA Warns Against Certain At-Home Cleaners for Your CPAP Machine

Keeping your CPAP machine clean is important. Learn why the FDA recommends washing your machine by hand and avoiding devices…

How to Clean a CPAP Machine

January 12, 2023

How to Clean a CPAP Machine

CPAP machines require regular upkeep to minimize grime and keep the device from malfunctioning. Learn how and when to clean…

Alternatives to CPAP

January 6, 2023

Alternatives to CPAP

Wondering about treatment options besides CPAP therapy? Learn about the alternatives to CPAP, how they work, and some of their…

What Is a CPAP Machine?

January 5, 2023

What Is a CPAP Machine?

A reliable therapy, CPAP is often used to treat obstructive and central sleep apnea. Learn about how CPAP works, its…

Sleep-Related Hypoventilation

December 16, 2022

Sleep-Related Hypoventilation

Sleep-related hypoventilation disorders involve slowed breathing during sleep. Learn about the types of these disorders and their causes and treatments.

Sleep Studies

December 14, 2022

Sleep Studies

Sleep studies are important tools to diagnose sleep problems. Learn about how sleep studies work, when to consider a sleep…

Sleep Apnea & Sex

December 13, 2022

Sleep Apnea & Sex

Having obstructive sleep apnea can affect your sex life. Learn about the effects of sleep apnea on sex and when…

Central Sleep Apnea

November 18, 2022

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects breathing during sleep. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments…

Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard

May 15, 2023

Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard

Sleep apnea mouth guards are an increasingly popular treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. Learn what they are and how…

Obesity & Sleep Apnea

November 3, 2022

Obesity & Sleep Apnea

Both obesity and obstructive sleep apnea are increasing in prevalence. Discover how they are related.

CPAP vs. BPAP

May 15, 2023

CPAP vs. BPAP

CPAP and BiPAP are both effective treatments for sleep apnea. Learn about their differences such as how they work, how…

Nighttime Urination & Sleep Apnea

October 28, 2022

Nighttime Urination & Sleep Apnea

Experts aren't sure if sleep apnea causes nighttime urination, but the two are linked. Also, treating sleep apnea can reduce…

How to Choose a CPAP Mask Based On Your Sleep Position

September 1, 2023

How to Choose a CPAP Mask Based On Your Sleep Position

Whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, there is a CPAP mask that can work for you. Find…

Sleeping in Hot Weather

September 19, 2023

Sleeping in Hot Weather

Hot weather can affect sleep in many ways. Learn strategies for staying cool at night and getting better sleep when…

Teeth Grinding & Sleep Apnea

September 28, 2023

Teeth Grinding & Sleep Apnea

Teeth grinding while asleep sometimes overlaps with obstructive sleep apnea. Learn about how the two may be related and how…

Is it Snoring or Sleep Apnea?

September 22, 2023

Is it Snoring or Sleep Apnea?

Snoring is common in people with sleep apnea, but not all people with sleep apnea snore. Learn about snoring and…

How to Choose a CPAP Mask

September 21, 2023

How to Choose a CPAP Mask

Choosing a CPAP mask is an important decision when starting treatment for sleep apnea. Learn about the different types of…

Mouth Exercises to Stop Snoring

September 22, 2023

Mouth Exercises to Stop Snoring

Many people snore, or make a snorting, whistling, or rumbling sound in their airway when they sleep. Up to 44%…

What are the Different Types of CPAP Machines?

September 18, 2023

What are the Different Types of CPAP Machines?

Discover the differences between CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP machines, and how positive airway pressure devices can improve sleep and relieve…

Orthopnea

August 30, 2023

Orthopnea

Being able to lie down in a comfortable position is an important part of getting a good night’s sleep. But…

Mallampati Score and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

September 14, 2023

Mallampati Score and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The Mallampati score is a helpful tool that may predict a person’s likelihood of having obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more…

Allergies and Sleep

January 24, 2023

Allergies and Sleep

Allergies can cause uncomfortable symptoms and make it difficult to sleep. Learn how allergies affect sleep and steps to reduce…

EPAP Therapy As a CPAP Alternative

September 22, 2023

EPAP Therapy As a CPAP Alternative

Looking for an alternative to CPAP? Learn about nasal EPAP and how it compares to CPAP as a therapy for…

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

September 21, 2023

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common medical condition and sleep disorder that can be managed well with appropriate treatment.

man sleeping with cpap machine

April 28, 2023

CPAP Humidification

Humidifiers add moisture to your airway and reduce CPAP side effects. Consider size, compatibility, and ease of cleaning when selecting…

Common Causes of Snoring

September 1, 2023

Common Causes of Snoring

Snoring is a common sound produced while sleeping. Learn more about why we snore and when it may be a…

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

September 15, 2023

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder. Learn about how sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated.

What is Inspire Sleep Apnea Treatment?

September 6, 2023

What is Inspire Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Although CPAP therapy is standard treatment for sleep apnea, it can be uncomfortable for some. Learn about Inspire sleep apnea…

How to Stop Snoring

September 15, 2023

How to Stop Snoring

Looking for the facts about snoring? Learn why people snore and find out how both changing everyday habits and medical…

Chiari Malformations and Sleep Apnea

September 21, 2023

Chiari Malformations and Sleep Apnea

Chiari malformations can affect the part of the brain that controls breathing and sleep. Learn about how Chiari malformations are…

Can You Die From Sleep Apnea?

January 18, 2023

Can You Die From Sleep Apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to the risk of disease and sudden death. Learn about sleep apnea and how treatment…

a young girl sleeping under colorful blankets and snoring softly

March 28, 2023

Children and Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea can affect children as well as adults. Learn how to recognize the signs of OSA in children…