Healthy Living Tips from
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | June 2022
HEALTH TIP : Finally A Good Night ’ s Sleep !
It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea ( OSA ), a condition where the airway collapses during sleep and blocks the flow of oxygen to the brain . When that happens , the brain senses the lack of oxygen , wakes you up to take a breath , and then you fall back to sleep . This repeating cycle throughout the night causes poor , interrupted sleep .
According to pulmonologist Zeeshan Khan , DO , Director of the Institute for Sleep Medicine at Deborah Heart and Lung Center : “ A good night ’ s sleep is more than being alert and feeling good the next day . It is also vital to overall metabolic and cardiac health . If your body is struggling to breathe during the night , it can affect your heart .”
The gold standard for treating OSA is a CPAP ( continuous positive airway pressure ) machine which is worn at night . But for 40 % of those diagnosed with OSA , for various reasons , they can ’ t tolerate CPAP .
“ Between the face mask , the pressure , and the tubing , CPAP simply doesn ’ t work for some patients ,” said pulmonologist Zeeshan Khan , DO , Director of the Institute for Sleep Medicine at Deborah Heart and Lung Center . “ Fortunately for these patients we have another option .”
New Approach to Sleep Apnea Dr . Khan said that a new device is available to OSA patients who can ’ t use CPAP .
“ Inspire is a small , FDA-approved implanted device that works inside the body with a patient ’ s natural breathing process to stop sleep apnea . The small , pacemaker-sized device is implanted by an Ear , Nose , and Throat doctor during an outpatient procedure . Once implanted the patient can turn the device on and off , and mild stimulation to the tongue and airway muscles will move the airway during sleep , allowing oxygen to flow naturally .”
He added that a small handheld remote allows the patient to hit pause during the night if they have to get up to use the bathroom or get a drink .
“ For patients who can ’ t tolerate CPAP , Inspire can truly be life-changing . These patients finally have an opportunity to enjoy a full night ’ s rest , many of whom have not had one in years . It is amazing to see the changes that they go through once they start feeling ‘ normal .’”
Dr . Khan urges anyone with obstructive sleep apnea who needs more information to reach out to the specialists at Deborah ’ s Institute for Sleep Medicine , 855-646-3484 .
For more information , visit www . DemandDeborah . org or call 855-646-3484 .
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