50 to 70 million Americans
have chronic sleep disorders (National Institutes of Health). The resultant drowsiness causes 100,000
traffic accidents (National Highway Traffic and Safety Adminstration),
and takes 1,500 lives each year. People
who suffer from sleep apnea are also at greater risk for diabetes, hypertension,
depression, stroke, and heart disease.
Chronic sleep problems increase the risk of each.
What is apnea? It is a common
sleep disorder that is an interruption to breathing. Apnea is usually caused by a collapse or obstruction
in the airway, and can occur from once to as many as 100 times per hour. Obstructive sleep apnea affects millions of Americans,
and often goes undetected for years. 
Sleep
apnea can be treated with a machine that creates continuous positive air
pressure. Pressurized and often
humidified air is fed to the nose and/or mouth through a mask that is worn
while sleeping. This helps keep airways
open, reducing the number of apneas per hour.
As an
alternative to a CPAP machine and mask, a mattress installed on an adjustable
(electric power) foundation can elevate the sleeper's head enough to prevent
collapses and blockages in the airway. Even
without sleep apnea, power foundations offer many benefits. But the direct benefits to a sleeper with
apnea are great. A growing number of
mattress types and models are being modified so they can flex with a power
foundation.
Keep Smilin'!
PS. Here's a healthy sleep pattern, according to the latest research:
50 to 70 million Americans have chronic sleep disorders (National Institutes of Health). The resultant drowsiness causes 100,000 traffic accidents (National Highway Traffic and Safety Adminstration), and takes 1,500 lives each year. People who suffer from sleep apnea are also at greater risk for diabetes, hypertension, depression, stroke, and heart disease. Chronic sleep problems increase the risk of each.
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