Background information
I’ve switched to left-handed scissors – and they’re a cut above the rest
by Michael Restin
Sleep apnoea: the elephant in the (bed)room has a name
12.9.2023
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
My loud snoring’s not only taking its toll on my wife and child, but also on myself, it turns out. It’s also an indicator for potential health risks. This was revealed by a professional sleep evaluation.
«The readings could indicate moderate sleep apnoea.» Now I have it in black and white. Contrary to what I thought, my snoring does appear to be medically relevant. This hadn’t even crossed my mind a few months ago. So I guess it’s true what they say about life being full of surprises.
Source: Galaxus
The work-up
How did I even get the diagnosis of potential sleep apnoea? As I announced in my last article on snore stoppers, I relied on expert help for this.
After unsuccessfully trying to get in touch with a sleep lab, a fellow editor recommended Sleepiz – a sleep analysis device for home use.
The setup
About a week and a half after placing my order, I’m holding the Sleepiz apnoea screening case in my hand. It contains a small blue and white box with a tripod. This will be standing next to my bed for the next few nights. There’s also a pulse oximeter that measures oxygen saturation via your hand.
And then there’s the tablet where everything comes together. It shows if the analyser and pulse oximeter are connected and ready for use before I go to bed.
Source: Patrick Vogt
With the included instructions, installation’s a breeze. Once that’s done, there’s nothing in the way of starting the evaluation of my sleep the same night.
Source: Patrick Vogt
How it works
I strap the pulse oximeter around my wrist and slip the connected measuring ring over my finger. Despite the reservations I first had, the wires don’t bother me one bit. One more check of the tablet and I’m ready to hit the hay.
Source: Patrick Vogt
After each night, I get an e-mail the following afternoon telling me whether the amount of data collected was sufficient to generate a sleep analysis. For a serious analysis, Sleepiz needs three nights providing enough data.
During the first night, the pulse oximeter didn’t collect enough data for an evaluation. I pop it on a different finger, which seems to do the trick. In the following three nights, enough data is collected. After just four days, I can already pack up the equipment and send it back.
The evaluation
A few days later I get a written summary of my sleep analysis. The evaluation is clearly structured and easy to understand – even for a layman like me. My breathing stopped 15 to 21 times per hour during the evaluated period. That’s one interruption every three or four minutes.
Source: Sleepiz sleep analysis
Wow, I really wasn’t expecting that. Contrary to the typical signs of sleep apnoea, I usually feel refreshed in the morning and rarely wake up with a headache. And yet, the evaluation of my sleep speaks volumes. My readings are pointing towards moderate sleep apnoea. Sleepiz therefore recommends I consult a doctor about this.
The debrief
After receiving my sleep evaluation, I had the opportunity to discuss the results over the phone with a Sleepiz professional. During the conversation, which lasted about twenty minutes, she drew my attention to a further irregularity that wasn’t so obvious. She tells me that my pulse frequency is a little high when I’m sleeping. She suggests having a professional blood pressure reading.
Source: Sleepiz sleep analysis
A little later I read that high blood pressure promotes sleep apnoea. Further risk factors I’m affected by are excess weight and smoking. So it seems I’ve been caught in this apnoea spiral for a while. If I’m brutally honest with myself, I could’ve realised this much sooner.
My fear
You may be wondering why this sleep apnoea is even worrying me in the first place. The truth is, it’s not the diagnosis but the possible consequences that scare me. In many cases, sleep apnoea therapy involves wearing a mask that’s connected to a breathing apparatus. The mask pumps air into the airways, which stops them from closing.
Source: Shutterstock
Although a sleep mask is by no means the only form of therapy to treat sleep apnoea, I’m already worried this is what it’s going to come down to. What if the mask bothers me and stops me from sleeping, like the snoring splint did? Like so often, my fear’s irrational. And yet …
Next steps
But hey, it ain’t over till the fat lady sings. I’ve yet to receive an in-depth medical evaluation and a final diagnosis by a medical professional. Perhaps things won’t turn out as bad as I imagine.
However, I still have to face the facts. Sleep apnoea or not. I need to take better care of my health. This means getting more active or potentially even taking up a sport. I should’ve also given up smoking a while ago.
Do you have sleep apnoea? What helps you deal with it? The Community and I look forward to your comments.
Header image: Shutterstock
I'm a full-blooded dad and husband, part-time nerd and chicken farmer, cat tamer and animal lover. I would like to know everything and yet I know nothing. I know even less, but I learn something new every day. What I am good at is dealing with words, spoken and written. And I get to prove that here.
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