Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding lifestyle measures for individuals with central sleep apnea as follows: Breathing devices, such as, positive airway pressure machines, could be recommended to individuals with sleep apnea. Use of positive airway pressure machines, such as, CPAP and BiPAP during sleep time can help maintain airways patent and prevent episodes of sleep apnea from happening. Observe compliance with recommendations made for use of breathing devices, if any. Observe compliance with doctor visits, as [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding management measures for central sleep apnea as follows: Individuals with sleep apnea must observe compliance with participation in repeat sleep studies, as ordered by the physician. This helps to monitor one’s response to the management measures currently in place. Participation in sleep studies can also help with monitoring poorly controlled or worsening symptoms of sleep apnea, so that, plan of care could be accordingly altered. Individuals with history of poorly managed [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding management measures for central sleep apnea as follows: If CPAP is being used for management, information regarding how long and how frequently the CPAP was used could be stored on the device chip. This information along with the pressure settings at which the apneic episodes were best prevented can be studied from the chip recording. Observe compliance with doctor visits, as scheduled. Do not forget to take your CPAP machine for [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding management measures for central sleep apnea as follows: Individuals with history of chronic opioid use and/or opioid abuse can present with suppression of the higher centers in the brain controlling the respiratory activity. Intake of opioid medications, such as, hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and methadone, with alcohol can significantly increase the risk of suppression of the higher centers in the brain controlling the respiratory activity. This can result in poor signal transmission [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding findings to watch for and report in individuals with central sleep apnea as follows: Multiple apneic spells followed by abrupt awakenings throughout the night can make the sleep very interrupted for individuals with poorly controlled sleep apnea. Poor rest during the night due to interrupted sleep pattern can lead to headache, difficulty concentrating, and confusion the following morning and leave the individual very tired & fatigued. Also, in an attempt to [...]