Shh

Shh.  Dennis is catching up on his sleep today.  Last night at eight, Dennis checked himself into the Mayo East Ridge Clinic in the Sleep Study wing.

It was a usual tri-yearly overnight sleep study to have the CPAP setting checked for changes in patients that use the CPAP machine nightly for sleep apnea.

Though there is a furnished bedroom provided, Dennis reported that there were more electronic monitors stuck to him that he could have counted.  Limbs, chest and and head monitors give readings for oxygen levels.  Those results allow the doctor that we see tomorrow, to set his CPAP machine for what he now needs.  The CPAP machine sitting beside Dennis’ bed can be set via Mankato.  Last night, the nurse was in and out of the room many times if the face mask was not tight enough and was allowing air to escape around the gasket as well as other checks and balances.  Dennis still had marks on his face from the elastic when he came home this morning at seven.

For individuals that have atrofibulation, aka: afib, an irregular heart beat, it is not unusual for the patient to stop breathing during their sleep.  The goal is ten times or less per hour.  What sparked this sleep study was that Dennis’ machine reported as high as 30 times per hour.  Not always consistently but higher than healthy.  Interrupted sleep takes a tole on one for the next day’s feeling of wellbeing. The CPAP machine reads those times of not breathing and when there is no breathing it pumps a whoosh of air through the tubing into the face mask to get the heart pumping.  Dennis’ machine also has a humidifier on it for moist air to breath.

The nurse also shared that there are more women needing CPAP machines than men.  Hmm.

In years past when someone died in their sleep it may have been assumed that they had a heart attack during the night.  They may very well have had an episode of sleep apnea. 

I am keeping the house quiet for Dennis to catch a couple of naps today in his recliner.  Actually sitting upright in a recliner does assist in keeping the episodes of not breathing to a minimal.

Dennis uses his machine religiously. The cost of the machine and the monthly supplies are covered by Medicare and our Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

Dennis wants Eggo Waffles for supper.  I can get that toaster pulled in with no problems.  We will be in Mankato tomorrow morning by 9:15.