The document discusses the future of sleep medicine from a lay perspective. It outlines that currently, there is a lack of follow-up and support for patients after initial diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. The document proposes that in the future of sleep medicine, general practice doctors should provide more awareness and screening of high-risk patients. It also suggests improvements to the diagnosis process through triage systems and better treatment integration and follow-up support for patients from their general doctors. The overall goal is to make sleep medicine more accessible and provide ongoing care for patients suffering from sleep apnea.
This document discusses several studies and guidelines related to improving communication and patient education during triage in emergency rooms. It proposes an innovation to implement frequent communication and education with patients in triage and the emergency waiting room. The innovation would add policies to the triage procedures requiring nurses and staff to communicate with and educate patients every 60 minutes. It also outlines how to implement the changes using Kotter's model of organizational change management.
The document provides an overview of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and lifestyle practices. It discusses key Ayurvedic concepts like the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), dhatus (bodily tissues), malas (waste products), and therapies including herbal medicine, massage, aromatherapy, color therapy and more. Ayurveda views health as a balanced state and sees illness as an imbalance that can be corrected through natural means without side effects.
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian healing system based on balancing the three doshas or biological energies (kapha, pitta, vata) in the body using herbs, massage, yoga and diet. The document discusses how to determine one's dosha type and dietary and lifestyle recommendations for balancing each dosha to support health and wellness.
This document provides guidance for caretakers of neurological or bedridden patients. It outlines 29 topics related to caring for patients with neurological disorders, with 3 sentences or less summarizing each topic. The document aims to assist not only the author's patients but any caretakers in navigating common challenges. It is intended to be accessible to help as many people as possible care for neurological patients.
Tobias Alpsten, CEO of iPLATO Healthcare, discusses how mHealth can help address the challenges of meeting increased demand for healthcare with limited resources. iPLATO has proven mHealth models in primary care covering over 4 million patients. Examples shown how iPLATO uses mobile messaging to support people with epilepsy through medication reminders and seizure monitoring, and people with COPD through local information and self-care tips. iPLATO works with various stakeholders to transform services, improve outcomes, and deliver value through expanded access on familiar technology that engages patients.
Sriram Kannan developed a tele-ophthalmology solution called eyePhone using the iPhone to help diagnose and treat Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of preventable infant blindness. Only about 300 specialists in India can diagnose ROP, but 2.5 lakh infants need diagnosis each month. The eyePhone allows retinal images to be taken, securely stored on a server, and accessed by specialists anywhere in real-time for analysis and reporting, helping address the shortage of experts. Future applications could include other ophthalmic diseases, telecardiology and teledentistry to improve access to care for rural and underserved populations in India.
This document discusses several studies and guidelines related to improving communication and patient education during triage in emergency rooms. It proposes an innovation to implement frequent communication and education with patients in triage and the emergency waiting room. The innovation would add policies to the triage procedures requiring nurses and staff to communicate with and educate patients every 60 minutes. It also outlines how to implement the changes using Kotter's model of organizational change management.
The document provides an overview of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and lifestyle practices. It discusses key Ayurvedic concepts like the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), dhatus (bodily tissues), malas (waste products), and therapies including herbal medicine, massage, aromatherapy, color therapy and more. Ayurveda views health as a balanced state and sees illness as an imbalance that can be corrected through natural means without side effects.
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian healing system based on balancing the three doshas or biological energies (kapha, pitta, vata) in the body using herbs, massage, yoga and diet. The document discusses how to determine one's dosha type and dietary and lifestyle recommendations for balancing each dosha to support health and wellness.
This document provides guidance for caretakers of neurological or bedridden patients. It outlines 29 topics related to caring for patients with neurological disorders, with 3 sentences or less summarizing each topic. The document aims to assist not only the author's patients but any caretakers in navigating common challenges. It is intended to be accessible to help as many people as possible care for neurological patients.
Tobias Alpsten, CEO of iPLATO Healthcare, discusses how mHealth can help address the challenges of meeting increased demand for healthcare with limited resources. iPLATO has proven mHealth models in primary care covering over 4 million patients. Examples shown how iPLATO uses mobile messaging to support people with epilepsy through medication reminders and seizure monitoring, and people with COPD through local information and self-care tips. iPLATO works with various stakeholders to transform services, improve outcomes, and deliver value through expanded access on familiar technology that engages patients.
Sriram Kannan developed a tele-ophthalmology solution called eyePhone using the iPhone to help diagnose and treat Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of preventable infant blindness. Only about 300 specialists in India can diagnose ROP, but 2.5 lakh infants need diagnosis each month. The eyePhone allows retinal images to be taken, securely stored on a server, and accessed by specialists anywhere in real-time for analysis and reporting, helping address the shortage of experts. Future applications could include other ophthalmic diseases, telecardiology and teledentistry to improve access to care for rural and underserved populations in India.
The document summarizes a study that will examine the effects of lucid dreaming on depression. Twenty-four subjects diagnosed with major depressive disorder will be divided into four groups. Groups A and B will receive lucid dreaming training, while groups C and D will serve as controls. The study aims to see if lucid dreaming can help treat depression by allowing patients to alter nightmares. Subjects will track dreams using logs and undergo evaluations after three months. The researcher hypothesizes that lucid dreaming will improve sleep and mood in depressed patients.
The study aims to examine whether lucid dreaming can help treat depression. Subjects with depression will be divided into four groups. Two groups will receive lucid dreaming training while the other two will not. One group receiving training will also take antidepressants. Subjects will keep dream logs and be evaluated after three months to see if lucid dreaming improved their mood, behavior, and depression symptoms. The researchers hypothesize that by gaining control over dreams through lucidity, subjects can alter nightmares and improve sleep, which may help treat their depression.
Amanda optometry - the allied network april 2013MyHealthCareer
1. The document discusses the role of an optometrist and the initial consultation process, including assessing presenting complaints, visual tasks, ocular history, medications, and performing various eye exams.
2. It describes common reasons an optometrist may refer patients to other providers like GPs, ophthalmologists, and allied health professionals for issues like eyelid problems, diabetes, cataracts, macular degeneration, and more.
3. The document outlines why someone may be referred to an optometrist at different ages, including checking children for subtle vision issues, teens for headaches or reading problems, adults in their 40s-50s for pres
Retina (Define ,anatomy of retina, examination of retina, classification of ...Maryam Fida
Retina
The retina is a layer tissue at the back of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain. In the center of this nervous tissue is the macula, that allows to focus the view toward the center and provides the needed sharpness to read, drive and clearly see details.
The retina processes light through a layer of photoreceptor cells. These are essentially light-sensitive cells, responsible for detecting qualities such as color and light-intensity. The retina processes the information gathered by the photoreceptor cells and sends this information to the brain via the optic nerve. Basically, the retina processes a picture from the focused light, and the brain is left to decide what the picture is.
Layers of Retina
The retina can be divided into 11 layers including
1. the inner limiting membrane
2. the nerve fiber layer
3. the ganglion cell layer
4. the inner plexiform layer
5. the inner nuclear layer
6. middle limiting layer
7. the outer plexiform layer
8. the outer nuclear layer
9. the outer limiting membrane
10. the photoreceptor layer
11. The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) monolayer.
Ora serrata
Anterior termination of retina where it continues with epithelium of Ciliary body.
Macula lutea (yellow spot)
1.5mm diameter area at post. Pole about 3mm temporal to optic disc.
Fovea centralis
Small depression in centre of macula
Cones predominate in this area
Most sensitive part of retina
Figure 1 Normal fundus Vessels emerge from nasal side of disc. Arteries are narrower than veins
Examination of Retina
Direct & indirect Ophthalmoscopy
1. Darken room, ask patient to look at the same point as far as possible in the room (this will help to dilate the pupil).
2. Wedge scope against your cheek with hand and then head/hand/scope should move as one unit.
3. Use your right hand & your right eye to look at the patient’s right eye. (Less important if using the PanOptic.)
4. Look through the ophthalmoscope, if you are nearsighted and have taken off your glasses, you may need to adjust the focusing wheel towards the negative/red until what you see at a distance is in focus.
5. Direct the ophthalmoscope 15 degrees from center and look for the red reflex (see video). Simply follow the red reflex in until you see the retina. If you lose the red reflex, come back until you find it again and repeat.
6. To look around the retina using a traditional direct ophthalmoscope, you should "pivot" the ophthalmoscope, angling up, down, left and right. If using the PanOptic, you can slightly "pivot" or ask the patient to look up to see upper retina, down to see lower retina, medial to see medial, latereral to see lateral and finally to look at the light to visualize the macula.
Slit Lamp Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscopy
The use of slit lamp BIO is an increasingly popular form of fundoscopic examination. Minimum a dilated fundus examination with an indirect lens should be carried out on those presenting with photopsi
This document summarizes the World Alzheimer Report 2011, which examines the benefits of early diagnosis and intervention for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Key findings include that most people living with dementia have not received a formal diagnosis, resulting in a "treatment gap" where many do not receive available care, treatment or support. The report recommends promoting earlier diagnosis through improved healthcare services and interventions shown to be effective in earlier stages of dementia, such as certain drugs and caregiver support. This could help lift the stigma of dementia and improve quality of life for those with the disease and their caregivers.
Children's epilepsy can be difficult to manage, as some seizure disorders persist for unknown reasons. Surgery may be an option for children whose seizures are not well controlled by multiple medications. At Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, an epilepsy team provides comprehensive care for children undergoing surgery, with the goals of better seizure control, improved quality of life, and optimized development. About 75% of children achieve good seizure control with medications, so finding solutions for the remaining 25% should be aggressively pursued.
The document discusses gene therapy and its potential uses. Gene therapy aims to treat or prevent diseases by replacing mutated genes with healthy copies, knocking out mutated genes, or introducing new genes. While still a work in progress, gene therapy has shown promise in animal studies for conditions like adrenoleukodystrophy. Some human studies have been successful, but others have led to complications like leukemia, highlighting the risks that still need to be addressed. Overall, the document outlines the progress and challenges of gene therapy as a developing medical technique.
How to Control Your Asthma Tips by gokuldas hospital.Gokuldas Hospital
Respiratory issues like asthma are the most sensitive issue that is affecting millions worldwide. It hampers the daily activities leaving the body tired and breathless.
The key to a good grip on asthma is proper knowledge and management strategies. Understanding the patient-specific symptoms and carving out an effective treatment likewise is the best way to keep asthma under control.
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a simplified look into the mechanisms involved in the regulation of respiration:
Learning objectives:
1. Describe the organisation of respiratory center
2. Describe the nervous control of inspiration and respiratory rhythm
3. Describe the functions of the dorsal and respiratory groups of neurons
4. Describe the influences of the Pneumotaxic and Apneustic centers
5. Explain the role of Hering-Breur inflation reflex in regulation of inspiration
6. Explain the role of central chemoreceptors in regulation of respiration
7. Explain the role of peripheral chemoreceptors in regulation of respiration
8. Explain the regulation of respiration during exercise
9. Integrate the respiratory regulatory mechanisms
10. Describe the Cheyne-Stokes breathing
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 42, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 36, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 13, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
Lecture 6 -- Memory 2015.pptlearning occurs when a stimulus (unconditioned st...AyushGadhvi1
learning occurs when a stimulus (unconditioned stimulus) eliciting a response (unconditioned response) • is paired with another stimulus (conditioned stimulus)
- Video recording of this lecture in English language: https://youtu.be/Pt1nA32sdHQ
- Video recording of this lecture in Arabic language: https://youtu.be/uFdc9F0rlP0
- Link to download the book free: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/nephrotube-nephrology-books.html
- Link to NephroTube website: www.NephroTube.com
- Link to NephroTube social media accounts: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/join-nephrotube-on-social-media.html
Know the difference between Endodontics and Orthodontics.Gokuldas Hospital
Your smile is beautiful.
Let’s be honest. Maintaining that beautiful smile is not an easy task. It is more than brushing and flossing. Sometimes, you might encounter dental issues that need special dental care. These issues can range anywhere from misalignment of the jaw to pain in the root of teeth.
Promoting Wellbeing - Applied Social Psychology - Psychology SuperNotesPsychoTech Services
A proprietary approach developed by bringing together the best of learning theories from Psychology, design principles from the world of visualization, and pedagogical methods from over a decade of training experience, that enables you to: Learn better, faster!
The document summarizes a study that will examine the effects of lucid dreaming on depression. Twenty-four subjects diagnosed with major depressive disorder will be divided into four groups. Groups A and B will receive lucid dreaming training, while groups C and D will serve as controls. The study aims to see if lucid dreaming can help treat depression by allowing patients to alter nightmares. Subjects will track dreams using logs and undergo evaluations after three months. The researcher hypothesizes that lucid dreaming will improve sleep and mood in depressed patients.
The study aims to examine whether lucid dreaming can help treat depression. Subjects with depression will be divided into four groups. Two groups will receive lucid dreaming training while the other two will not. One group receiving training will also take antidepressants. Subjects will keep dream logs and be evaluated after three months to see if lucid dreaming improved their mood, behavior, and depression symptoms. The researchers hypothesize that by gaining control over dreams through lucidity, subjects can alter nightmares and improve sleep, which may help treat their depression.
Amanda optometry - the allied network april 2013MyHealthCareer
1. The document discusses the role of an optometrist and the initial consultation process, including assessing presenting complaints, visual tasks, ocular history, medications, and performing various eye exams.
2. It describes common reasons an optometrist may refer patients to other providers like GPs, ophthalmologists, and allied health professionals for issues like eyelid problems, diabetes, cataracts, macular degeneration, and more.
3. The document outlines why someone may be referred to an optometrist at different ages, including checking children for subtle vision issues, teens for headaches or reading problems, adults in their 40s-50s for pres
Retina (Define ,anatomy of retina, examination of retina, classification of ...Maryam Fida
Retina
The retina is a layer tissue at the back of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain. In the center of this nervous tissue is the macula, that allows to focus the view toward the center and provides the needed sharpness to read, drive and clearly see details.
The retina processes light through a layer of photoreceptor cells. These are essentially light-sensitive cells, responsible for detecting qualities such as color and light-intensity. The retina processes the information gathered by the photoreceptor cells and sends this information to the brain via the optic nerve. Basically, the retina processes a picture from the focused light, and the brain is left to decide what the picture is.
Layers of Retina
The retina can be divided into 11 layers including
1. the inner limiting membrane
2. the nerve fiber layer
3. the ganglion cell layer
4. the inner plexiform layer
5. the inner nuclear layer
6. middle limiting layer
7. the outer plexiform layer
8. the outer nuclear layer
9. the outer limiting membrane
10. the photoreceptor layer
11. The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) monolayer.
Ora serrata
Anterior termination of retina where it continues with epithelium of Ciliary body.
Macula lutea (yellow spot)
1.5mm diameter area at post. Pole about 3mm temporal to optic disc.
Fovea centralis
Small depression in centre of macula
Cones predominate in this area
Most sensitive part of retina
Figure 1 Normal fundus Vessels emerge from nasal side of disc. Arteries are narrower than veins
Examination of Retina
Direct & indirect Ophthalmoscopy
1. Darken room, ask patient to look at the same point as far as possible in the room (this will help to dilate the pupil).
2. Wedge scope against your cheek with hand and then head/hand/scope should move as one unit.
3. Use your right hand & your right eye to look at the patient’s right eye. (Less important if using the PanOptic.)
4. Look through the ophthalmoscope, if you are nearsighted and have taken off your glasses, you may need to adjust the focusing wheel towards the negative/red until what you see at a distance is in focus.
5. Direct the ophthalmoscope 15 degrees from center and look for the red reflex (see video). Simply follow the red reflex in until you see the retina. If you lose the red reflex, come back until you find it again and repeat.
6. To look around the retina using a traditional direct ophthalmoscope, you should "pivot" the ophthalmoscope, angling up, down, left and right. If using the PanOptic, you can slightly "pivot" or ask the patient to look up to see upper retina, down to see lower retina, medial to see medial, latereral to see lateral and finally to look at the light to visualize the macula.
Slit Lamp Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscopy
The use of slit lamp BIO is an increasingly popular form of fundoscopic examination. Minimum a dilated fundus examination with an indirect lens should be carried out on those presenting with photopsi
This document summarizes the World Alzheimer Report 2011, which examines the benefits of early diagnosis and intervention for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Key findings include that most people living with dementia have not received a formal diagnosis, resulting in a "treatment gap" where many do not receive available care, treatment or support. The report recommends promoting earlier diagnosis through improved healthcare services and interventions shown to be effective in earlier stages of dementia, such as certain drugs and caregiver support. This could help lift the stigma of dementia and improve quality of life for those with the disease and their caregivers.
Children's epilepsy can be difficult to manage, as some seizure disorders persist for unknown reasons. Surgery may be an option for children whose seizures are not well controlled by multiple medications. At Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, an epilepsy team provides comprehensive care for children undergoing surgery, with the goals of better seizure control, improved quality of life, and optimized development. About 75% of children achieve good seizure control with medications, so finding solutions for the remaining 25% should be aggressively pursued.
The document discusses gene therapy and its potential uses. Gene therapy aims to treat or prevent diseases by replacing mutated genes with healthy copies, knocking out mutated genes, or introducing new genes. While still a work in progress, gene therapy has shown promise in animal studies for conditions like adrenoleukodystrophy. Some human studies have been successful, but others have led to complications like leukemia, highlighting the risks that still need to be addressed. Overall, the document outlines the progress and challenges of gene therapy as a developing medical technique.
How to Control Your Asthma Tips by gokuldas hospital.Gokuldas Hospital
Respiratory issues like asthma are the most sensitive issue that is affecting millions worldwide. It hampers the daily activities leaving the body tired and breathless.
The key to a good grip on asthma is proper knowledge and management strategies. Understanding the patient-specific symptoms and carving out an effective treatment likewise is the best way to keep asthma under control.
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a simplified look into the mechanisms involved in the regulation of respiration:
Learning objectives:
1. Describe the organisation of respiratory center
2. Describe the nervous control of inspiration and respiratory rhythm
3. Describe the functions of the dorsal and respiratory groups of neurons
4. Describe the influences of the Pneumotaxic and Apneustic centers
5. Explain the role of Hering-Breur inflation reflex in regulation of inspiration
6. Explain the role of central chemoreceptors in regulation of respiration
7. Explain the role of peripheral chemoreceptors in regulation of respiration
8. Explain the regulation of respiration during exercise
9. Integrate the respiratory regulatory mechanisms
10. Describe the Cheyne-Stokes breathing
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 42, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 36, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 13, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
Lecture 6 -- Memory 2015.pptlearning occurs when a stimulus (unconditioned st...AyushGadhvi1
learning occurs when a stimulus (unconditioned stimulus) eliciting a response (unconditioned response) • is paired with another stimulus (conditioned stimulus)
- Video recording of this lecture in English language: https://youtu.be/Pt1nA32sdHQ
- Video recording of this lecture in Arabic language: https://youtu.be/uFdc9F0rlP0
- Link to download the book free: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/nephrotube-nephrology-books.html
- Link to NephroTube website: www.NephroTube.com
- Link to NephroTube social media accounts: https://nephrotube.blogspot.com/p/join-nephrotube-on-social-media.html
Know the difference between Endodontics and Orthodontics.Gokuldas Hospital
Your smile is beautiful.
Let’s be honest. Maintaining that beautiful smile is not an easy task. It is more than brushing and flossing. Sometimes, you might encounter dental issues that need special dental care. These issues can range anywhere from misalignment of the jaw to pain in the root of teeth.
Promoting Wellbeing - Applied Social Psychology - Psychology SuperNotesPsychoTech Services
A proprietary approach developed by bringing together the best of learning theories from Psychology, design principles from the world of visualization, and pedagogical methods from over a decade of training experience, that enables you to: Learn better, faster!
5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT or Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that serves a range of roles in the human body. It is sometimes referred to as the happy chemical since it promotes overall well-being and happiness.
It is mostly found in the brain, intestines, and blood platelets.
5-HT is utilised to transport messages between nerve cells, is known to be involved in smooth muscle contraction, and adds to overall well-being and pleasure, among other benefits. 5-HT regulates the body's sleep-wake cycles and internal clock by acting as a precursor to melatonin.
It is hypothesised to regulate hunger, emotions, motor, cognitive, and autonomic processes.
Osteoporosis - Definition , Evaluation and Management .pdfJim Jacob Roy
Osteoporosis is an increasing cause of morbidity among the elderly.
In this document , a brief outline of osteoporosis is given , including the risk factors of osteoporosis fractures , the indications for testing bone mineral density and the management of osteoporosis
Are you looking for a long-lasting solution to your missing tooth?
Dental implants are the most common type of method for replacing the missing tooth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. In layman’s terms, a dental implant is similar to the natural root of the tooth. It offers a stable foundation for the artificial tooth giving it the look, feel, and function similar to the natural tooth.
Co-Chairs, Val J. Lowe, MD, and Cyrus A. Raji, MD, PhD, prepared useful Practice Aids pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease for this CME/AAPA activity titled “Alzheimer’s Disease Case Conference: Gearing Up for the Expanding Role of Neuroradiology in Diagnosis and Treatment.” For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, and complete CME/AAPA information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at https://bit.ly/3PvVY25. CME/AAPA credit will be available until June 28, 2025.
6. Sleep Medicine As It Is
Awareness Diagnosis Treatment
Missing is Follow-up/Support
6
7. The patient can often fall through a crack as large as the Grand Canyon
7
8. Sleep Medicine – The Future
The Internet
Awareness
The General Practice Doctor or
Dentist should be the trusted
source to his patients, particular
those at high risk of sleep apnea.
8
9. Sleep Medicine – The Future
Screening
Awareness Limited Channel
Full PSG
Diagnosis
9
10. With some patients it is easy to know whether they have sleep apnea
TRIAGE
10
11. Sleep Medicine – The Future
Screening
Awareness Limited Channel
Full PSG
Diagnosis
TRIAGE
11
12. Sleep Medicine – The Future
Behavioral Changes
Awareness
“Adjunctive” Therapy
Diagnosis Major Intervention
Treatment
Integration
12
13. Sleep Medicine – The Future
Awareness Acclimatizing
Acceptance
Diagnosis
Adherence
Treatment The General Practice doctor
or Dentist should provide
Follow-up ongoing support to his
apnea patients.
13
15. There is much work to do – we have reach the only the tip
15
16. Remember the goal is to sleep like babies – Thank you
Edward Grandi - egrandi@sleepapnea.org
16
Editor's Notes
Good afternoon and thank you for the honor and privilege of speaking to you on the future of sleep medicine. As the only speaker from the United States in a company of brilliant researchers and clinicians – I have a large challenge ahead of me.
Just to be absolutely clear – I am not a doctor. The basis of my understanding comes from being a keen observer of the sleep medicine field in the United States. My position as executive director of the only national patient organization addressing this subject give me a unique perspective. Again I am honored to offer my vision of the future.
In the brief amount of time I have, let me share a few slides about sleep medicine as it is and as it should be, my opinion. My talk references specifically sleep apnea; it among sleep disorders is the most common and its consequences most serious.
Snoring and sleep apnea as many speakers have shared is a serious, yet under-recognized condition – contributing to a number of life-threatening conditions – cardiovascular disease as well as metabolic disorders. But we can not forget that these conditions affect the bed partner as well and robs them of valuable sleep. There are two victims – assuming there is still a bed partner in the bed or the house!
Snoring and sleep apnea as many speakers have shared is a serious, yet under-recognized condition – contributing to a number of life-threatening conditions – cardiovascular disease as well as metabolic disorders. But we can not forget that these conditions affect the bed partner as well and robs them of valuable sleep. There are two victims – assuming there is still a bed partner in the bed or the house!
A person may become aware they have a problem with sleep apnea when their spouse tells them or perhaps as a result of an auto accident or worse as a result of a heart attack. At that point they must seek out help if they know where to look. The diagnosis may be by PSG or home study or using something like an apnealink. Depending on the doctor they saw may determine the type of treatment recommended – surgery, PAP, oral appliance, a new pillow. What is missing from this picture is follow up. If the patient is not lost by this point, it is very likely they will be now.
A person may become aware they have a problem with sleep apnea when their spouse tells them or perhaps as a result of an auto accident or worse as a result of a heart attack. At that point they must seek out help if they know where to look. The diagnosis may be by PSG or home study or using something like an apnealink. Depending on the doctor they saw may determine the type of treatment recommended – surgery, PAP, oral appliance, a new pillow. What is missing from this picture is follow up. If the patient is not lost by this point, it is very likely they will be now.
The future of sleep medicine will be about integrating the messages on sleep disorders with the trusted messengers – The Internet can be useful tool conveying information, but only if the healthcare professional is there to confirm what is true from what is false and sadly there is a lot that is false out there now.
There is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to figuring out if someone has sleep apnea. Then, of course, in some cases you can just tell. The future of sleep medicine will be to triage – in the doctor or dentist’s office, the patient to determine what of diagnostic services, if any, are needed.
There is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to figuring out if someone has sleep apnea. Then, of course, in some cases you can just tell. The future of sleep medicine will be to triage – in the doctor or dentist’s office, the patient to determine what of diagnostic services, if any, are needed.
There is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to figuring out if someone has sleep apnea. Then, of course, in some cases you can just tell. The future of sleep medicine will be to triage – in the doctor or dentist’s office, the patient to determine what of diagnostic services, if any, are needed.
We began with surgery, following by Positive Airway Pressure and then Oral Appliance therapy – there are variations on all of these and likely to be more. The future of sleep medicine will rest in phenotyping, which will help determine based on a persons genetic make-up what treatment is likely to be most effective.
Compliance/adherence to therapy is not very good, at least in the United States and it does not matter whether the treatment is for sleep apnea or heart disease or diabetes. The future of sleep medicine will depend on creating a model of follow up that will encourage the patient to stay with their chosen therapy.
The dentist, whether they specialize in sleep medicine or not, has an important role to play in the future of sleep medicine as does the general practice physician – from being a trusted source of information on sleep disorders, to triaging the patient for diagnosis, understanding the therapeutic options, Finally support – perhaps as important as awareness - if a patient does not use their chosen therapy – is worse than if they were unaware.
I close reminding you all that we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. There are still millions in need of our help. I hope you will be part of the future of sleep medicine and insure that all will enjoy the sleep we enjoyed as babies.
I close reminding you all that we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. There are still millions in need of our help. I hope you will be part of the future of sleep medicine and insure that all will enjoy the sleep we enjoyed as babies.