hi Sam, just wondering if you have seen this video and could you give your thoughts on it please,Many thanks........... ruclips.net/video/5u0t_SkcBfU/видео.html
Dr. Sam Bailey, you're a great person with a pleasant personality. Thank you!, very much for this video I know u had to put a lot of your time to do this and that makes u a very beautiful person. I will share this video with those who have this problem. Thank you again and have a wonderful day.😘
I've been using a CPAP for the last 22 years. I swear by it. I wouldn't attempt to sleep without it. Problems may arise if you have power outages during the night. Not funny. Talking of surgery, there is a way of "rectifying" the problem by making an incision (at the back of the throat) and "infecting" the said incision in order to create a scar. By creating a scar you tighten the tissue and the result is mostly successful. However, this minor operation has an extremely painful healing process. Needless to say, I chickened out. This Video is 100% accurate...symptoms, causes, remedies... Thanks.
Isn’t she so sweet. She is so good. These videos are obviously geared to non-medial people. That’s a good thing by the way. I just watch her because she is so sweet! If I lived in New Zealand she would be my primary care doctor. Also l, Dr. Brad l. if I can give him a plug. He is from there as well. I have to get to New Zealand to see if everyone is as nice as these two!!
This may sound weird, but ... take up singing! I don't mean just random bits of singing, but join a formal group that practices and performs at least weekly, and where you can get some proper guidance regarding breath support and using the soft palate appropriately. In my experience, this tones the structures of the mouth and throat and reduces the incidence of apnea and snoring.
I got notified yesterday then last night realized I've been putting this issue in the back of my head as I had my nasal passages close up for several seconds and so I realized I shook my head at the fact that you luckily for me uploaded a sleep apnea video too..is the universe awesome/timely or what!! ☺
I love your videos doctor Sam. You are a true doctor, a healer in the manner of the father of medicine, Hippocrates who is one of my heroes! - keep up your great work xx
Hi Dr. Sam. I know it doesn't effect a lot of people but edifying people on ALS and making people aware of it would be wonderful. Unfortunately I'm one with it. I look forward to your weekly vids!
Surgery was recommended to me because I have a Polish face structure which is wider, more tissue around the back of my mouth (tonsils etc) and a wider fatter tongue which when it relaxes blocks my airway. The doctor said he would cut away from the back sides at the back to make it less likely I close up there when I fall asleep and relax. I said no. Now I just cope with different side positions and mouth appliances. Hi from Canada! Much thanks Dr. Sam!
hi i have found that cpap is the best for me, i found out i had sleep apnea only after having a heart attack, stopping breathing 140 times per night put pressure on my heart, cpap has been wonderful for my health and after 10 years with a mask at night i am used to it, thanks for your video
This was brilliant, thank you so much! Valuable info and very well-presented. Great accent by the way! :-) 4 of my symptoms are/were: (1) frequent irresistible drowsiness during the day, (2) absent-mindedness, (3) dizziness, & (4) inability to concentrate. Since (a) using a lower pillow & (b) changing my diet, these symptoms have lessened considerably, so maybe my probable apnoea - I haven't had a test but I scored rather high on the questionnaire - has diminished? I have been keeping a 'foods & their effects' diary to help identify which foods I feel sleepy/bloated/discomfort after, and in case it may be helpful to others, these are the changes I made to my diet: (1) eat less; (2) don't eat late in the evening - better to skip the meal; (3) eat fruit/veg instead of the usual snacks/meals as much as possible. I have been doing this for 10 days and have lost over a kilo (most of it from my belly apparently), have no desire now for junk food, a much reduced desire for alcohol, a slight increase in libido (etc), am more alert & for longer during the day, and - for the first time in years? - wake feeling noticeably more energetic & motivated. Two weeks ago I don't think I would or could have written this... Thanks again Dr Sam!
Let me tell you a little story. I'm a relatively healthy, definitely non-obese guy in his mid-thirties who has been feeling like utter shit for the past several years. Chronic fatigue. No energy. Depression. Suicidal ideation. For so long I've had no idea what was wrong with me. Initially I thought that allergies were causing my fatigue because it seemed worse in the summer (and because flonase seemed to help). In reality, allergies were contributing to the problem but not the origin thereof. Finally, about a year ago, it occurred to me that I should consider getting a sleep study to make sure there wasn't anything wrong with my sleep, though I didn't have any reason to think this could be the case. I walked into a local sleep clinic and did a home study. Negative for sleep apnea. Then I did a PSG (polysomnogram, an in-lab overnight sleep study) - also negative for sleep apnea. My AHI was 4.1 and apparently I had "25 spontaneous arousals per hour". This seemed like a large number but the doctor said this was normal. Not being particularly satisfied, I went home and started educating myself. I found a discord server dedicated to the discussion and dissemination of evidenced-based research regarding sleep disordered breathing. I learned about how sleep studies are scored and why the nature of sleep studies (such as what constitutes an apnea or hypopnea) is somewhat arbitrary. I learned about 1A and 1B hypopnea, what they mean, and why they can result in drastically different sleep study scores. I also learned about how the AASM (American Association of Sleep Medicine) has capitulated to Medicare's desire to not abide by 1A hypopnea, despite AASM's recommendation 10 years ago, because it means that Medicare would have to cover a hell of a lot more patients. AASM doesn't want to piss off Medicare since they (Medicare) make up a huge portion of the sleep medicine industry and thus the salaries of many (if not all) of the doctors on AASM's board. I realize that all probably sounds incredibly convoluted to the lay person but suffice to say that the way sleep studies are currently conducted is incredibly flawed. In short, sleep clinics are allowed to use two wildly different criteria when scoring studies; one of which is incredibly outdated and biased toward diagnosing older, less fit patients who tend to have oxygen desaturation during their respiratory events. The other criteria is much more friendly to younger patients and does not require for oxygen desaturation to be present (instead focusing moreso on sleep fragmentation which is what really matters). When I did that PSG at the local sleep clinic they scored my test with 1B hypopnea. My resultant AHI (apnea hypopnea index) was 4.1 (that means I had 4.1 apneas and/or hypopneas per hour). That is 0.9 below the threshold for what would be considered a diagnosis of sleep apnea (5.0). Had they used 1A hypopnea my AHI would've been 9.3. I know this because I had them rescore my test with 1A hypopnea after the fact. But it gets better. Not too long ago I went to Texas for a second PSG with PES (esophageal manometry, a more sensitive way to measure respiratory effort) that was also scored using 1A criteria. My AHI was 23 and my RDI was 33.5 (RDI is actually a more important number because it includes RERAs (respiratory effort related arousals) which are other arousal events that don't fall into the stricter hypopnea criteria (but still respiratory-related arousals nonetheless). In other words, based on this PSG, I have severe sleep apnea. So where did we start? With me getting a home sleep study and a PSG, both of which were apparently negative for sleep apnea (according to the doctor). Where did we end up? With me being diagnosed with severe sleep apnea after a second PSG in Texas. I can't tell you how much of a weight this is off of my shoulders to finally know what the fuck has been going on with me for the past several years. I don't have relief from my symptoms yet but the psychological burden has been lessened by simply knowing "why" it is that I've been suffering. For the longest time I thought I was going crazy; I had no idea what was wrong with me. And when I went to a doctor I was essentially told the same thing - that there was nothing wrong with me. But, in fact, there is, and there was. And this was hidden because the doctor, in his ignorance, chose to use shitty 1B hypopnea criteria. Even though I didn't use PES on that first test simply using the AASM-recommended 1A hypopnea criteria would've resulted in a diagnosis of sleep apnea and started me on the path to treatment and, hopefully, recovery. Oh, and remember RDI? Well after the first PSG where my AHI was 4.1 my RDI was 6.6. Guess what constitutes a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea? When AHI or RDI are >= 15.0.... OR when AHI or RDI are >= 5.0 *in the presence of symptoms*. I absolutely complained of severe symptoms to this doctor and even with an RDI of 6.6 using shitty 1B hypopnea criteria he let me walk out of the door without a diagnosis. The doctor didn't even include RDI in the interpretation, apparently feeling that it was insignificant. In my opinion this is essentially malpractice. What if I never thought to educate myself and get another sleep study? I probably would've got on stimulants and/or anti-depressants and who knows how long I would've gone like that, continuing to suffer without knowing why. From what I understand the UK is pretty shit when it comes to sleep medicine. Unfortunately, the AASM's guidelines have international ramifications (as other countries model their own guidelines after the AASM's). If you're reading this and you think something might be wrong with your sleep find a place where you can do a sleep study that uses 1A hypopnea and scores RERAs. Doing PES would be a bonus. If you want a relatively cheap way to see if you might have sleep apnea you can also do WatchPAT One (available on Amazon). It's not perfect but it was way more accurate that my first PSG was. Results may vary of course; but WatchPAT uses 3% (1A) criteria (or at least mine did; I think they used to use 4% (1B) but it will say on the test results and you can always ask for a rescore if necessary). Doctors, if you're reading this, please swallow your pride and get a more nuanced education in sleep medicine. Don't continue to abide by criteria that has been outdated for a decade which results in young, otherwise healthy people going completely undiagnosed. At the end of the day, the thing that matters is sleep fragmentation - not fucking oxygen desaturation. If you read through this post and understand it then, in a way, you know more than most sleep medicine doctors. And if doctors are already aware of all this and choose to use 1B hypopnea anyways, well that's just straight-up malpractice. You're literally ruining the lives of your younger patients who come to your clinic seeking answers and help. This isn't just me coming up with all this, by the way. Read the link below, straight from the horses' mouth: jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.7234
Thank you for the link to the questionnaire and the side sleeping study! I tried CPAP longer than a previous comment might have indicated, but even after mask changes and adjustments to a very sophisticated machine, I could not tolerate this treatment. I love your channel here and on Patreon, as well.
I like the same thing about all the video. 1. You 2. How you present the info. 3. The huge smiles. 4 ypur accent. 5. Your hair. 6. The way you call your words and the way your lips form each word so carefully. 7. Beautiful friendly eyes. 8. Beautiful set of teeth and the color of your lip stick. 9. The soothing tone of your voice that makes everything you say sounds so beautiful. 10. Finally your so warm friendly and I wish you lived next door😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😘😍😍😍😍😍😍😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😇😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😇
Thank you for all your different topics...they are always excellent to listen to...your very informative and I have to say your accent drives me absolutely crazy.!! 🌹Thank you for all you do.
I tried the dental appliance. It was not happening for me. It didn't really change anything about my sleep, either. Thanks for the great info as always!
Thank you so much for making this video. Your clear, funny, pleasant and informative presentation of symptoms and treatments is helping me calm down a lot. I just had an experience where I was awake enough to feel my nostrils close and I couldn't breathe, but still asleep enough that I couldn't move or open my mouth. After a few seconds I was able to kick and move and breathe again. It was so scary...
I definitely have sleep apnea as quite often my wife wakes me up as I’ve stopped breathing while sleeping on my back. I’m not obese,don’t smoke or drink much so just hereditary I suppose.
Sleep apnoea also (ironically) can affect gym bunnies as bulking up in the neck can cause airway obstruction, just as obesity can. The risk factor is neck circumference. This may not apply to you but putting it out there.
Dr. Sam I am so glad I became a recent Subscriber, I have Everything that you mentioned,plus a toe amputation due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels.I love your videos,because not only are youbeautiful and have a awesome accent,your information is clear and easy to understand and helpful in regards as how to resolve or improve your health.Thank you again.
My dentist recommended an over the counter mouth guard to stop my teeth grinding at night. I've used it for while now and my wife I no longer snore. I wonder if this simple solution could help anyone, super cheap to try.
I have just seen this video, and i found it contains more useful information about sleep apnoea , than you would probaly recieve from you usual GP visit about this matter, i have undertaken a sleep analysis test and they are designed for you to fail, so you can be sold a CPAP machine, do yourself a favour and buy a side sleeper pillow that gives good neck support and keeps your spine and neck in alignment, this will help immensely, people dont give pillow support enough credit in dealing with sleep disturbance, its so important when you are sleeping that your neck doesnt fall backwards in your sleep as this can cause the tongue to roll back in your mouth causing you to stop breathing or even start to choke, your old favourite pillow may need replacing as it is no longer given the neck and back the support it needs for a good nights sleep, try it and you may actually be surprised.
Great info Doc. I used a CPAP for years with a mask and then cannula style. I have no problems with either one, my issue was condensing moisture drowning me. So my buddy suggested putting the machine on the floor. That worked for a while until the temp starting dropping at night. Then I insulated the hose with fleece and keep the hose under the blanket....nope nothing worked. It did have a humidifier. I no longer use it....seems to be ok for me.
Thank You once again for taking the time to make these helpful videos Dr. Sam Bailey, I get Sleep Apnea only when I am lying on my back lol, not sure why this is the case, but I have in the past woke myself up when lying on my bed watching TV and I have a snooze. When I wake up I initially struggle to get my breath and have a mild/minor pain in my lungs area, I am not aware of me having Sleep Apnea when I sleep on my side, but I do suffer from some of the ailments and side effects that you mentioned. I do have dry mouth and am always thirsty throughout the day, but I assume that is due to me being Diabetic, I also have Erectile Dysfunction, but again I have always assumed that being Diabetic and having Hypertension when the main/only causes of my Impotence?
Hi Dr Sam. Only recently discovered you but loving your videos. I've been watching one of your Sleep Apnea videos and was wondering what you might recommend for children in the 7-14 age range?
Your the best Sam. Love how you always have a positive path to sometimes difficult problems. Dr Sam, Could you explain a little about you practice and how it works. In your words. Thank you.
Thanks for the helpful information. I did LOL when you mentioned that there are alarms available to help you sleep on your side. Sort of like automated sleep apnea :)
I took the all-night sleep test with electrodes, etc., and apparently my vital signs swing wildly this way and that during sleep. I was anxious to be treated, since I go through each day rather sleepy, but frankly I'd rather suffer chronic fatigue than wear scuba gear to bed.
At the age of 21, 140 lbs, I would wake up choking. At the age of 27 I had my tonsils removed because they were cryptic (no excess to get in the way during sleep so I can't assign it as the cause). After I (re) joined the military later that year, somehow I got it in my head that it was a deviated septum problem and asked the military doctors to fix it. They fixed the deviation and the choking stopped. But now, 25 years later, I wake up not breathing with the occasional choking once again. I can easily feel where the back of my tongue obstructs the airway. My dentist noticed it too as I was falling asleep several times during some dental work that took a long time to finish. My snoring is so bad my daughter wakes me up. Considering the symptoms at different ages and different weight, I'm wondering if this could be a mix of both obstructive and central.
Hello Dr. Sam again. So nice to see your videos! Interesting, luckily I dont suffer from sleep apnea but I snoar. If I turn on my side the snoaring stops, but to do that someone must wake me up to stop the racket. So I will welcome a video on snoaring suppression. My best regards to you!
Thanks for the vid. I have severe sleep apnea. Can't tolerate CPAP, tried the lifestyle changes to no avail. Dental appliances aren't effective in my severe case. There is an FDA (US) approved implant device I may look into next. It senses pauses in breathing and stimulates a nerve to the tongue to move it forward and open the throat.
Hello Doctor, I have sleep Apnea and use a CPAC , works great and really have no problems falling asleep. My problem is waking up, I sleep through alarms or hitting the snooze alarm or shutting them off and I don't remember doing it. Do you have a video about issues like this. Thanks!!
My husband frequently sleeps through alarms too (also a CPAP user for severe OSA). It happens far less when he's gone to bed earlier. Have you noticed a similar pattern yourself? If so, your best defense is probably making sure you've had enough hours of sleep before you're due up.
Many thanks indeed Dr Sam. I was very surprised to hear that under active thyroid is one health problem that can be a cause of sleep apnoea! 😮 However, given all other symptoms I don't think I have it. A great video though, thanks so much
I am 36 and have had tinnitus for about 5 years now... I just started noticing it in very quiet places. That noise you get after going to a loud concert...but it just didn't go away. My doctor didn't find a cause. My hearing is fine. I can actually tune it out most of the time... it never stops me sleeping 🙏 I think it was probably caused in my college years, when I played in a rock band 🤷♀️🤔 Anyways! It's a mystery!
Didgeridoo practice is said to strengthen the muscles that get overly relaxed while sleeping causing one variety of sleep apnea through the flabby muscles blocking the airway.
Hi Dr. Bailey! I love your content. Thank you for all you do. You're awesome. Do you have any information about central sleep apnea? A loved one was recently diagnosed with central sleep apnea and he was prescribed a CPAP machine. I get why CPAP would help with obstructive sleep apnea, but is it really going to treat central sleep apnea? Also, is there a way to get closer to the root-cause of central sleep apnea? This loved one is also on atorvastatin and I'm afraid that could exacerbate central sleep apnea because of the depletion of CoQ10 and the neurological damage that can cause. I'd love more information on central sleep apnea if you have anything.
I am definitely not obese and have had sleep apnea type issues since childhood. I do have a belly, though, but that's only as an adult. I rarely drink alcohol. I am going to try to get CPAP. Not my cup of tea since I move a lot in bed, but I'm going to give it a try. I know I have a long uvula. I've also started exercise and have ordered a special wedge pillow. I will work harder on shrinking my belly, though I am not overweight. It's more being bloated, I suppose.
Probably it's moreso related to craniofacial deficiencies; for example a recessed lower jaw (which the tongue is attached to), narrow palate, or possibly some soft tissue problem that is causing obstructions (like a deviated septum, swollen turbinates, etc.) These are just a few examples of things that could be contributing to the problem; in reality it's probably multifactorial. Best thing to do would be to speak to a good maxillofacial (orthognathic) surgeon, get a CBCT and have your craniofacial factors evaluated and take it from there. Might also consider speaking to a good ENT about soft tissue stuff (though please do your research before pursuing any given procedure if you ever decide to).
Thank you Dr. Sam. I have been on CPAP for decades. I am working on #1 but it is not a quick answer. ☺ My machine is dying and I really don't relish jumping through all the hoops to get a new one during this scamdemic so I am looking at alternatives. Will check out oral devices.
On the CPAP Airsense 10 for 20 months and I wake up ready to rock every morning. I used to wake with tired eyes, low energy, and zero ambition. Before, I would startle awake as from a nightmare, experience frequent micturition (pee), and my apnea count of 30+/hour is now 2-5/hour.
Great video! Q- I ha a sleep study 1n 2009 and was authorized a CPAP machine and a concentrator. I also have an enlarged heart and asthma. I have been on CPAP ever since. When my 4th machine quit on me, 2 months ago, all of a sudden Lincare (my mach. provider says, "We can not replace machine without authorization from ins provider. Is it possible after all these years of CPAP use that all of a sudden I don't need it? I would buy one myself only to be told that I can't without authorization. It appears that they want me to have another sleep study. Never is my answer to that! 77 years old: COVID; the risk is too high and I will not risk it Do you have a solution??
What did you like best about this video? What topic would you like me to cover next? Let me know here 🙂
Your the best part of the video😍😍😍 any topic is good, just keep making videos 👍
Q1: You 😁 & learning that snoring doesn't mean I have sleep apnea.
Q2: Snoring please 🙏
hi Sam, just wondering if you have seen this video and could you give your thoughts on it please,Many thanks...........
ruclips.net/video/5u0t_SkcBfU/видео.html
As always you are my favorite thing in this video ☺️ but your information about how to know if you have it was very helpful. Thank you 😊
Dr. Sam Bailey, you're a great person with a pleasant personality.
Thank you!, very much for this video I know u had to put a lot of your time to do this and that makes u a very beautiful person.
I will share this video with those who have this problem.
Thank you again and have a wonderful day.😘
I like how efficiently and clearly you present your information. And your cheerful demeanor is like sunshine
for the soul.
I've been using a CPAP for the last 22 years. I swear by it. I wouldn't attempt to sleep without it. Problems may arise if you have power outages during the night. Not funny.
Talking of surgery, there is a way of "rectifying" the problem by making an incision (at the back of the throat) and "infecting" the said incision in order to create a scar. By creating a scar you tighten the tissue and the result is mostly successful. However, this minor operation has an extremely painful healing process. Needless to say, I chickened out.
This Video is 100% accurate...symptoms, causes, remedies... Thanks.
Not only you are pretty but your videos aren't boring, and the best video I found so far about this topic
Your voice just calms my soul! I'm a big fan Dr Sam! Take care always 🤗
Isn’t she so sweet. She is so good. These videos are obviously geared to non-medial people. That’s a good thing by the way. I just watch her because she is so sweet! If I lived in New Zealand she would be my primary care doctor. Also l, Dr. Brad l. if I can give him a plug. He is from there as well. I have to get to New Zealand to see if everyone is as nice as these two!!
This may sound weird, but ... take up singing! I don't mean just random bits of singing, but join a formal group that practices and performs at least weekly, and where you can get some proper guidance regarding breath support and using the soft palate appropriately. In my experience, this tones the structures of the mouth and throat and reduces the incidence of apnea and snoring.
I got notified yesterday then last night realized I've been putting this issue in the back of my head as I had my nasal passages close up for several seconds and so I realized I shook my head at the fact that you luckily for me uploaded a sleep apnea video too..is the universe awesome/timely or what!! ☺
I love your videos doctor Sam. You are a true doctor, a healer in the manner of the father of medicine, Hippocrates who is one of my heroes! - keep up your great work xx
I am voting for a snoring video. The sleep apnea was very useful. Thank you!
Thank you Barbara!
I need to call my dr. asap. I have several
symptoms . Thanks for the video .
Dr. Sam does a wonderful job of clearly informing us with important medical information. Bravo, "Barbarella"!
Wow... A doctor with a beautifull smile...
Hi Dr. Sam. I know it doesn't effect a lot of people but edifying people on ALS and making people aware of it would be wonderful. Unfortunately I'm one with it. I look forward to your weekly vids!
Surgery was recommended to me because I have a Polish face structure which is wider, more tissue around the back of my mouth (tonsils etc) and a wider fatter tongue which when it relaxes blocks my airway. The doctor said he would cut away from the back sides at the back to make it less likely I close up there when I fall asleep and relax. I said no. Now I just cope with different side positions and mouth appliances. Hi from Canada! Much thanks Dr. Sam!
I apologize, you really are the best. No sure who raised u, but they did a phenomenal job.
Cut down on caffeine it seems to have helped a great deal!
I will try this im at three cups of 8oz coffee a day
Yes I think this could help
hi i have found that cpap is the best for me, i found out i had sleep apnea only after having a heart attack, stopping breathing 140 times per night put pressure on my heart, cpap has been wonderful for my health and after 10 years with a mask at night i am used to it, thanks for your video
How much do you weigh and are you considered over weight ?
The best things about your videos is your beauty. And, oh yes, all the great information you give.
Thanks Kurt, too kind :)
This was brilliant, thank you so much! Valuable info and very well-presented. Great accent by the way! :-)
4 of my symptoms are/were: (1) frequent irresistible drowsiness during the day, (2) absent-mindedness, (3) dizziness, & (4) inability to concentrate. Since (a) using a lower pillow & (b) changing my diet, these symptoms have lessened considerably, so maybe my probable apnoea - I haven't had a test but I scored rather high on the questionnaire - has diminished?
I have been keeping a 'foods & their effects' diary to help identify which foods I feel sleepy/bloated/discomfort after, and in case it may be helpful to others, these are the changes I made to my diet:
(1) eat less;
(2) don't eat late in the evening - better to skip the meal;
(3) eat fruit/veg instead of the usual snacks/meals as much as possible.
I have been doing this for 10 days and have lost over a kilo (most of it from my belly apparently), have no desire now for junk food, a much reduced desire for alcohol, a slight increase in libido (etc), am more alert & for longer during the day, and - for the first time in years? - wake feeling noticeably more energetic & motivated. Two weeks ago I don't think I would or could have written this...
Thanks again Dr Sam!
I'm pleased you are noticing some improvement - good news 😀
I snore but I don't think I have sleep apnea; very informative, thank you
That was fantastic! Thank you so much. A great comprehensive intro.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge for others' well being.
Let me tell you a little story. I'm a relatively healthy, definitely non-obese guy in his mid-thirties who has been feeling like utter shit for the past several years. Chronic fatigue. No energy. Depression. Suicidal ideation. For so long I've had no idea what was wrong with me.
Initially I thought that allergies were causing my fatigue because it seemed worse in the summer (and because flonase seemed to help). In reality, allergies were contributing to the problem but not the origin thereof. Finally, about a year ago, it occurred to me that I should consider getting a sleep study to make sure there wasn't anything wrong with my sleep, though I didn't have any reason to think this could be the case.
I walked into a local sleep clinic and did a home study. Negative for sleep apnea. Then I did a PSG (polysomnogram, an in-lab overnight sleep study) - also negative for sleep apnea. My AHI was 4.1 and apparently I had "25 spontaneous arousals per hour". This seemed like a large number but the doctor said this was normal.
Not being particularly satisfied, I went home and started educating myself. I found a discord server dedicated to the discussion and dissemination of evidenced-based research regarding sleep disordered breathing. I learned about how sleep studies are scored and why the nature of sleep studies (such as what constitutes an apnea or hypopnea) is somewhat arbitrary. I learned about 1A and 1B hypopnea, what they mean, and why they can result in drastically different sleep study scores. I also learned about how the AASM (American Association of Sleep Medicine) has capitulated to Medicare's desire to not abide by 1A hypopnea, despite AASM's recommendation 10 years ago, because it means that Medicare would have to cover a hell of a lot more patients. AASM doesn't want to piss off Medicare since they (Medicare) make up a huge portion of the sleep medicine industry and thus the salaries of many (if not all) of the doctors on AASM's board.
I realize that all probably sounds incredibly convoluted to the lay person but suffice to say that the way sleep studies are currently conducted is incredibly flawed. In short, sleep clinics are allowed to use two wildly different criteria when scoring studies; one of which is incredibly outdated and biased toward diagnosing older, less fit patients who tend to have oxygen desaturation during their respiratory events. The other criteria is much more friendly to younger patients and does not require for oxygen desaturation to be present (instead focusing moreso on sleep fragmentation which is what really matters).
When I did that PSG at the local sleep clinic they scored my test with 1B hypopnea. My resultant AHI (apnea hypopnea index) was 4.1 (that means I had 4.1 apneas and/or hypopneas per hour). That is 0.9 below the threshold for what would be considered a diagnosis of sleep apnea (5.0). Had they used 1A hypopnea my AHI would've been 9.3. I know this because I had them rescore my test with 1A hypopnea after the fact.
But it gets better. Not too long ago I went to Texas for a second PSG with PES (esophageal manometry, a more sensitive way to measure respiratory effort) that was also scored using 1A criteria. My AHI was 23 and my RDI was 33.5 (RDI is actually a more important number because it includes RERAs (respiratory effort related arousals) which are other arousal events that don't fall into the stricter hypopnea criteria (but still respiratory-related arousals nonetheless). In other words, based on this PSG, I have severe sleep apnea.
So where did we start? With me getting a home sleep study and a PSG, both of which were apparently negative for sleep apnea (according to the doctor). Where did we end up? With me being diagnosed with severe sleep apnea after a second PSG in Texas. I can't tell you how much of a weight this is off of my shoulders to finally know what the fuck has been going on with me for the past several years. I don't have relief from my symptoms yet but the psychological burden has been lessened by simply knowing "why" it is that I've been suffering. For the longest time I thought I was going crazy; I had no idea what was wrong with me. And when I went to a doctor I was essentially told the same thing - that there was nothing wrong with me. But, in fact, there is, and there was. And this was hidden because the doctor, in his ignorance, chose to use shitty 1B hypopnea criteria. Even though I didn't use PES on that first test simply using the AASM-recommended 1A hypopnea criteria would've resulted in a diagnosis of sleep apnea and started me on the path to treatment and, hopefully, recovery.
Oh, and remember RDI? Well after the first PSG where my AHI was 4.1 my RDI was 6.6. Guess what constitutes a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea? When AHI or RDI are >= 15.0.... OR when AHI or RDI are >= 5.0 *in the presence of symptoms*. I absolutely complained of severe symptoms to this doctor and even with an RDI of 6.6 using shitty 1B hypopnea criteria he let me walk out of the door without a diagnosis. The doctor didn't even include RDI in the interpretation, apparently feeling that it was insignificant. In my opinion this is essentially malpractice. What if I never thought to educate myself and get another sleep study? I probably would've got on stimulants and/or anti-depressants and who knows how long I would've gone like that, continuing to suffer without knowing why.
From what I understand the UK is pretty shit when it comes to sleep medicine. Unfortunately, the AASM's guidelines have international ramifications (as other countries model their own guidelines after the AASM's). If you're reading this and you think something might be wrong with your sleep find a place where you can do a sleep study that uses 1A hypopnea and scores RERAs. Doing PES would be a bonus. If you want a relatively cheap way to see if you might have sleep apnea you can also do WatchPAT One (available on Amazon). It's not perfect but it was way more accurate that my first PSG was. Results may vary of course; but WatchPAT uses 3% (1A) criteria (or at least mine did; I think they used to use 4% (1B) but it will say on the test results and you can always ask for a rescore if necessary).
Doctors, if you're reading this, please swallow your pride and get a more nuanced education in sleep medicine. Don't continue to abide by criteria that has been outdated for a decade which results in young, otherwise healthy people going completely undiagnosed. At the end of the day, the thing that matters is sleep fragmentation - not fucking oxygen desaturation.
If you read through this post and understand it then, in a way, you know more than most sleep medicine doctors. And if doctors are already aware of all this and choose to use 1B hypopnea anyways, well that's just straight-up malpractice. You're literally ruining the lives of your younger patients who come to your clinic seeking answers and help.
This isn't just me coming up with all this, by the way. Read the link below, straight from the horses' mouth:
jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.7234
One of the best video over sleep apnea i ever watched👍
Thank you for the link to the questionnaire and the side sleeping study! I tried CPAP longer than a previous comment might have indicated, but even after mask changes and adjustments to a very sophisticated machine, I could not tolerate this treatment. I love your channel here and on Patreon, as well.
Excellent video, Dr. Sam. Very well explained.
Hello Dr Sam, I wish you were my doctor, so knowledgeable and pretty
Thanks Dr Sam!! Anything on snoring would be awesome.
Thanks Paul, it will be happening in the next few weeks :)
I like the same thing about all the video.
1. You 2. How you present the info. 3. The huge smiles. 4 ypur accent. 5. Your hair. 6. The way you call your words and the way your lips form each word so carefully. 7. Beautiful friendly eyes. 8. Beautiful set of teeth and the color of your lip stick. 9. The soothing tone of your voice that makes everything you say sounds so beautiful. 10. Finally your so warm friendly and I wish you lived next door😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😘😍😍😍😍😍😍😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😇😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😇
jesus christ
Thank you for all your different topics...they are always excellent to listen to...your very informative and I have to say your accent drives me absolutely crazy.!! 🌹Thank you for all you do.
I tried the dental appliance. It was not happening for me. It didn't really change anything about my sleep, either. Thanks for the great info as always!
Your awesome Doctor Sam ! Love watching and listening to your videos thank you !! Your very pleasant to listen too !
I am from India, I am a die hard fan of u Dr....keep going
Thank you so much for making this video. Your clear, funny, pleasant and informative presentation of symptoms and treatments is helping me calm down a lot. I just had an experience where I was awake enough to feel my nostrils close and I couldn't breathe, but still asleep enough that I couldn't move or open my mouth. After a few seconds I was able to kick and move and breathe again. It was so scary...
Great job as always; terrific description! Thank you for highly effective videos! Rocket 🚀
Thanks Dr. Sam Bailey😊❤
Love From India...
I definitely have sleep apnea as quite often my wife wakes me up as I’ve stopped breathing while sleeping on my back. I’m not obese,don’t smoke or drink much so just hereditary I suppose.
Same lol. Although I do vape. I'm very active and eat well. Went from 240 pounds to 175 and I'm still exhausted no matter what.
Sleep apnoea also (ironically) can affect gym bunnies as bulking up in the neck can cause airway obstruction, just as obesity can. The risk factor is neck circumference. This may not apply to you but putting it out there.
I found it very helpful. I’ll cut down on my tea and coffee and lose some weight and see if I get a better nights sleep. Thanks for video.
I ve nothing todo with sleep apnea as I am sleeping for 8-9 hours daily but still I ve watched the video twice just for dr s❤❤🤗
Once again thanks Dr Dream, New information about it, I thanks so much Miss New Zealand
Dr. Sam I am so glad I became a recent Subscriber, I have Everything that you mentioned,plus a toe amputation due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels.I love your videos,because not only are youbeautiful and have a awesome accent,your information is clear and easy to understand and helpful in regards as how to resolve or improve your health.Thank you again.
Thanks Eric for your comment, that's very nice of you to say.
If the videos are helpful, honestly that's all I wish for! 🌠
Another lifesaving video. Thank you, Dr. Sam
My pleasure!
@@DrSamBailey, You are no doubt, the best doctor on any medical topic you share. I'm so thankful to you Dr. Sam.😊
Well-informative about the subject. Thank you again Dr. Sam
My dentist recommended an over the counter mouth guard to stop my teeth grinding at night. I've used it for while now and my wife I no longer snore. I wonder if this simple solution could help anyone, super cheap to try.
It works for me…. I use both a bite guard and a CPAP machine.
Your smile is what I like best!😀
Yes, please do make a video on snoring!
Thank you as always for breaking down and clearly explaining things. Could you do a video on over active and under active thyroid?
Informative and straight to the point - as always! Thanks Dr Sam (aka Beautiful Simple Creature :-)).
😂
I have just seen this video, and i found it contains more useful information about sleep apnoea , than you would probaly recieve from you usual GP visit about this matter, i have undertaken a sleep analysis test and they are designed for you to fail, so you can be sold a CPAP machine, do yourself a favour and buy a side sleeper pillow that gives good neck support and keeps your spine and neck in alignment, this will help immensely, people dont give pillow support enough credit in dealing with sleep disturbance, its so important when you are sleeping that your neck doesnt fall backwards in your sleep as this can cause the tongue to roll back in your mouth causing you to stop breathing or even start to choke, your old favourite pillow may need replacing as it is no longer given the neck and back the support it needs for a good nights sleep, try it and you may actually be surprised.
Great info Doc. I used a CPAP for years with a mask and then cannula style. I have no problems with either one, my issue was condensing moisture drowning me. So my buddy suggested putting the machine on the floor. That worked for a while until the temp starting dropping at night. Then I insulated the hose with fleece and keep the hose under the blanket....nope nothing worked. It did have a humidifier. I no longer use it....seems to be ok for me.
Thank You once again for taking the time to make these helpful videos Dr. Sam Bailey, I get Sleep Apnea only when I am lying on my back lol, not sure why this is the case, but I have in the past woke myself up when lying on my bed watching TV and I have a snooze.
When I wake up I initially struggle to get my breath and have a mild/minor pain in my lungs area, I am not aware of me having Sleep Apnea when I sleep on my side, but I do suffer from some of the ailments and side effects that you mentioned.
I do have dry mouth and am always thirsty throughout the day, but I assume that is due to me being Diabetic, I also have Erectile Dysfunction, but again I have always assumed that being Diabetic and having Hypertension when the main/only causes of my Impotence?
Hi Dr Sam. Only recently discovered you but loving your videos. I've been watching one of your Sleep Apnea videos and was wondering what you might recommend for children in the 7-14 age range?
Thanks Dr Sam this was so great for my wife stay safe and thanks again see ya
once again very useful video Doc - and that with usual smiley face. thanks Doc
So nice of you
@@DrSamBailey i have to ask who is Barbarella? is she like some super woman?
Your the best Sam. Love how you always have a positive path to sometimes difficult problems.
Dr Sam, Could you explain a little about you practice and how it works. In your words. Thank you.
Ok, if you want I'll do a little bit about me and my work I do :)
Very good video thanks for sharing this information.
Thanks for the helpful information. I did LOL when you mentioned that there are alarms available to help you sleep on your side. Sort of like automated sleep apnea :)
How often should I be checked? I was diagnosed in 2016 with it and got put on a CPAP machine but never rechecked.
I took the all-night sleep test with electrodes, etc., and apparently my vital signs swing wildly this way and that during sleep. I was anxious to be treated, since I go through each day rather sleepy, but frankly I'd rather suffer chronic fatigue than wear scuba gear to bed.
Very informative, thank you
Hi.lovely doctor with a lovely accent. You make great content tyank you.
Thank you! 😃
good and useful summary. thanks, Mark.
Like the way you completely cover the Subject Matter such as Sleep Apnea.
At the age of 21, 140 lbs, I would wake up choking. At the age of 27 I had my tonsils removed because they were cryptic (no excess to get in the way during sleep so I can't assign it as the cause). After I (re) joined the military later that year, somehow I got it in my head that it was a deviated septum problem and asked the military doctors to fix it. They fixed the deviation and the choking stopped. But now, 25 years later, I wake up not breathing with the occasional choking once again. I can easily feel where the back of my tongue obstructs the airway. My dentist noticed it too as I was falling asleep several times during some dental work that took a long time to finish. My snoring is so bad my daughter wakes me up. Considering the symptoms at different ages and different weight, I'm wondering if this could be a mix of both obstructive and central.
I think it could be both... sounds like my son....he has obstructive sleep apnea and central.
Thanks Doc! Always tops 👍
Wish you were my doctor, your sooooo sincere what a wonderful passionate person you are.
PD UK
Hello Dr. Sam again. So nice to see your videos! Interesting, luckily I dont suffer from sleep apnea but I snoar. If I turn on my side the snoaring stops, but to do that someone must wake me up to stop the racket. So I will welcome a video on snoaring suppression. My best regards to you!
Thank you for the vid🙂, I also have a request, could you do a video on Lupus and it's origins. Thank you.
great explanation, thanks
Great content Dr. Sam !
Thanks for the video Sam. You are beyond gorgeous!
Ok, now that I’ve listened to the entire video... what are your thoughts on exercising before bed to help with sleep apnea.
Doctor Sam when you have time could you possibly do a video on G6PD, and the taking of Eliquis 5mg tab for blood clots. Thanks, your the best
lovely work.
Great info!
Thanks for the vid. I have severe sleep apnea. Can't tolerate CPAP, tried the lifestyle changes to no avail. Dental appliances aren't effective in my severe case. There is an FDA (US) approved implant device I may look into next. It senses pauses in breathing and stimulates a nerve to the tongue to move it forward and open the throat.
Hello Doctor, I have sleep Apnea and use a CPAC , works great and really have no problems falling asleep. My problem is waking up, I sleep through alarms or hitting the snooze alarm or shutting them off and I don't remember doing it. Do you have a video about issues like this. Thanks!!
My husband frequently sleeps through alarms too (also a CPAP user for severe OSA). It happens far less when he's gone to bed earlier. Have you noticed a similar pattern yourself? If so, your best defense is probably making sure you've had enough hours of sleep before you're due up.
You made it understandable as usual ! U have a lot of adoring fans! Do u really read these comments?
Of course I do! I love reading the comments and trying to make videos that people want to see ❤
Many thanks indeed Dr Sam. I was very surprised to hear that under active thyroid is one health problem that can be a cause of sleep apnoea! 😮 However, given all other symptoms I don't think I have it. A great video though, thanks so much
I looove Dr Sam.😍
I am 36 and have had tinnitus for about 5 years now... I just started noticing it in very quiet places. That noise you get after going to a loud concert...but it just didn't go away. My doctor didn't find a cause. My hearing is fine. I can actually tune it out most of the time... it never stops me sleeping 🙏
I think it was probably caused in my college years, when I played in a rock band 🤷♀️🤔
Anyways! It's a mystery!
Ty for info and nice accent
Omg how the hello do you give Dr. Sam a thumbs down....???????
Really now....
Thank you Dr Sam
Didgeridoo practice is said to strengthen the muscles that get overly relaxed while sleeping causing one variety of sleep apnea through the flabby muscles blocking the airway.
Well explained.
Hi Dr. Bailey! I love your content. Thank you for all you do. You're awesome.
Do you have any information about central sleep apnea? A loved one was recently diagnosed with central sleep apnea and he was prescribed a CPAP machine. I get why CPAP would help with obstructive sleep apnea, but is it really going to treat central sleep apnea?
Also, is there a way to get closer to the root-cause of central sleep apnea? This loved one is also on atorvastatin and I'm afraid that could exacerbate central sleep apnea because of the depletion of CoQ10 and the neurological damage that can cause.
I'd love more information on central sleep apnea if you have anything.
Hello doctor, I have sleep apnea since last month and I really need your suggestion please
I am definitely not obese and have had sleep apnea type issues since childhood. I do have a belly, though, but that's only as an adult. I rarely drink alcohol. I am going to try to get CPAP. Not my cup of tea since I move a lot in bed, but I'm going to give it a try. I know I have a long uvula. I've also started exercise and have ordered a special wedge pillow. I will work harder on shrinking my belly, though I am not overweight. It's more being bloated, I suppose.
Probably it's moreso related to craniofacial deficiencies; for example a recessed lower jaw (which the tongue is attached to), narrow palate, or possibly some soft tissue problem that is causing obstructions (like a deviated septum, swollen turbinates, etc.) These are just a few examples of things that could be contributing to the problem; in reality it's probably multifactorial. Best thing to do would be to speak to a good maxillofacial (orthognathic) surgeon, get a CBCT and have your craniofacial factors evaluated and take it from there. Might also consider speaking to a good ENT about soft tissue stuff (though please do your research before pursuing any given procedure if you ever decide to).
Thank you!
Thank you Dr. Sam. I have been on CPAP for decades. I am working on #1 but it is not a quick answer. ☺ My machine is dying and I really don't relish jumping through all the hoops to get a new one during this scamdemic so I am looking at alternatives.
Will check out oral devices.
Are you trying to loose weight ? And how old are you
@@gallo4796 yes.
@@mkshffr4936 how much do you weight
She’s awesome.
On the CPAP Airsense 10 for 20 months and I wake up ready to rock every morning. I used to wake with tired eyes, low energy, and zero ambition. Before, I would startle awake as from a nightmare, experience frequent micturition (pee), and my apnea count of 30+/hour is now 2-5/hour.
Wonderful @Munderpool, I'm pleased you are feeling so much better :)
So bro are you feeling good now with cpap
Dr for the time my heartbeat stopped for second n m thyroid patient 🙏
Did you do that snoring video? I’d be interested.
Great video! Q- I ha a sleep study 1n 2009 and was authorized a CPAP machine and a concentrator. I also have an enlarged heart and asthma. I have been on CPAP ever since. When my 4th machine quit on me, 2 months ago, all of a sudden Lincare (my mach. provider says, "We can not replace machine without authorization from ins provider. Is it possible after all these years of CPAP use that all of a sudden I don't need it? I would buy one myself only to be told that I can't without authorization. It appears that they want me to have another sleep study. Never is my answer to that! 77 years old: COVID; the risk is too high and I will not risk it Do you have a solution??
Pretty doctor
Very useful
Thank you dr sam