Do you ever wonder....

if your friends, family, strangers have sleep apnea??? I only ask because, I was at a kids bday party the other day, and the parents were all around talking, and the subject of snoring came up. Of course, the wives, lamenting how their husbands shake the walls, and they have to use ear plugs, etc. I know loud snoring isn't a diagnosis, but I take note of their neck size. One fellow mentioned he is out once he hits the bed, and his wife tries to fall asleep early because he rattles the earth. I noticed he was a little heavy, (I know that that isn't a sure indication) but also he had no chin, all neck.... I didn't say anything about my affliction, but my wife was joining in about having to wear ear plugs, and even wake up in spare room. Of course, she was talking about the past, as I have 99.99% compliance with my therapy. I was a little worried she might bring up my sleep apnea, not there is anything wrong with that (to steal a punchline from Seinfeld). I have friends I have told, and to be honest, I am not embarrassed about it, just not something I go around broadcasting to people I don't necessarily know well.

I guess I can bring it up, but then I don't want to become some sort of crusader, always talking about it with people who snore, like those who have found religion or sobriety, and want to spread the word to everyone they meet. I have asked close friends who snore loud, have some of the superficial signs as mentioned. Many of their wives put up with it, lets be honest, the only reason, I got a sleep study, it because my wife ended up in another room every morning. I suppose also, I was curious if this would help my general sluggishness at times, even with plenty of hours of sleep. And of course it did.

I suppose, this is just food for thought......Any thoughts.....

I agree nothing worse than a new convert to ANYTHING!! A big group like that it's hard, but I find that if I share just my experience, in a quiet manner, without inquiring into anyone's own business those that are truly interested will ask. Next step is to deflect the ensuing conversation to a one on one situation. Offer to visit with the snorer, rather than loading up the spouse with ammo to accost them!! It a huge shift for most! There's that vanity thing, that nobody wants to wear a mask. I say who outside your sleeping partner is gonna see it?!?! My experience for sharing is patients talk to potential patients and spouses talk to spouses! Above all, sharing real facts about something medically important is a duty to those that might be relying on hearsay.

Sleep well!!
KW

No need to broadcast to everyone--just mention it one-on-one with the guy most likely.
Personalize it; if he golfs, mention the possible stroke reduction (actually proven in a study)
If he's trying for a baby, mention that he might like the "guys" to be healthy.

It's very common that a sick person kinda/slightly/wishes/ that someone else has the same problem /misery...it's just human stuff

Just remember. Other people have waaaaaaay more serious things going on health wose

Funny you should mention this.. I was just wondering earlier today if my Hattie; my cat has OSA. The way she sleeps all the time reminds me of me before I was diagnosed. She was all rolled up in ball sleeping away not a care in the world. Her Food dish was full and fresh water and the poop box was clean. I thought sleep well my little angel.

Ruinednose wrote:It's very common that a sick person kinda/slightly/wishes/ that someone else has the same problem /misery...it's just human stuff

Just remember. Other people have waaaaaaay more serious things going on health wose

Ha! "Misery loves company".

No, at least in my case, I guess I just wonder, since it appears many people are undiagnosed. Even family and friends think they may have SA, but yet put off getting sleep study, doesnt matter what I testify.

Just trying to add some discussion to a slow news day.