Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding findings to watch for and report in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea as follows: Individuals with sleep apnea must report to the physician regarding any abrupt weight gain. As an individual’s weight plays a significant role in presentation with and management of sleep apnea symptoms, abrupt weight gain can be detrimental to the current plan in place and lead to poor management of sleep apnea. Seeking physician consultation can offer an [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding findings to watch for and report in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea as follows: Caregivers of individuals with history of sleep apnea must keep a close watch on the snoring during the night. Any gross increase in the snoring of the individual should be reported to the physician for further follow-up. Sometimes the apneic spells could be for very brief period and go unnoticeable with the individual barely waking up from [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding complications of poorly managed obstructive sleep apnea as follows: Excessive fatigue: Poorly rested state with multiple awakenings through the night can leave the individual with sleep apnea extremely fatigued and drained, with poor daytime activity. Daytime drowsiness: Lack of sleep during the night can lead to drowsiness and sleepy state during the day, as a compensatory measure. This poorly active during the daytime can compromise the individual’s job and academic performance. [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding complications of poorly managed obstructive sleep apnea as follows: Increased risk for stroke: Interrupted breathing pattern in individuals with poorly controlled sleep apnea, can lead to sudden drop in blood oxygen levels. Consequently, this can lead to drop in oxygen supply to vital organs, such as, heart and brain, thus affecting their function. Compromised cardiac function with reduced pumping activity of the heart can lead to reduced blood & oxygen supply [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding complications of poorly managed obstructive sleep apnea as follows: Risk for poor blood sugar control: Poorly managed sleep apnea can result in interrupted sleep pattern with multiple awakenings during the night. Lack of sleep and proper rest can lead to a stressful situation. Human body tries to cope up with this new stressful condition by increasing secretion of steroid hormones. Steroid hormones contribute to increased resistance to action of insulin, thus [...]