Sleep apnea. Yes, another gift from Cushing's Disease or its related symptoms. What? You don't believe me? In Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Endocrine Diseases the authors go through the literature and summarize it well. Here is a quote from the article:
...the occurrence of SAHS [sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome ] was clearly shown only recently in endocrine diseases such as acromegaly, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, especially when complicated by autonomic neuropathy, Cushing's syndrome and hyperandrogenism due to ovarian and adrenal neoplasms. Endocrine diseases (ED) may help to understand the mechanisms involved in both central and obstructive SAHS.
There is a lot of information in that article for those who really want to know more. I was diagnosed 8 years ago with sleep apnea, and I know I had it at least 10 years prior to that. My parents were instrumental in persuading me to be tested. I actually had some problems in my teen years which may have been due to sleep apnea. I'd wake up terrified and not know why. I did that more and more as the sleep apnea got worse. I have never done that since I started sleeping with my CPAP until I had to do without it for two weeks after surgery. I know it was related.
My CPAP. I call him "Darth". Why? Just think about it! How does Darth Vader sound when he talks? Have you ever heard someone try to talk while wearing a functioning CPAP? Just too funny.... Anyhow, he's my bedfeller and best buddy. I don't sleep without him. I can't sleep without him. I even sleep with him when I take a nap.
I HATE CPAP has some great information on the dangers of sleep apnea and why anyone with it needs to be tested and treated. I cannot tell you the remarkable difference it has made in my life.
"You have only begun to discover your power..."
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