Rotary learns about sleep apnea

Rotary learns about sleep apnea


Dr. Beverly Prince, right, gave a presentation to the Coudersport Rotary Club about sleep disorders during a recent meeting. Dr. Prince works at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital. At left is Club member Pat Northheimer. Photo submitted


Dr. Beverly Prince gave a presentation to the Coudersport Rotary Club recently about the importance of sleep and the many factors that go into, and can disrupt, the sleep cycle.

Dr. Prince, who oversees the sleep lab at the hospital, discussed how scientists began studying sleep in the 1950s during the race between the United States and the Soviet Union in sending a man into space.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where the body does not get enough oxygen, according to Dr. Prince, and can happen in a two different ways. Sleep apnea can be termed as obstructive sleep apnea, which is a blockage of the airway which causes the person to stop sleeping. Another form of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea which occurs when the brain stops sending messages to the lungs for regular breathing.

In order for the person to function at a normal level, the body needs a certain amount of sleep and must experience the four stages of sleep, especially the fourth stage to feel relaxed.

Dr. Prince also discussed diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. The full-service sleep lab at CCMH is one option, while home sleep studies are also available.