Free Condell lecture addresses sleep apnea causes, treatments

We all know the importance of getting a good night’s sleep when it comes to productivity and mental well-being. But multiple studies also have linked sleep disruption to other health issues, from weight gain and memory loss to more serious problems like diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Advocate Condell Medical Center is offering a free community health event on sleep apnea, focusing on risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

“Sleep Apnea: Snore No More” will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, at Advocate Condell Medical Center’s Heart & Vascular Center, 801 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Dr. Adam Posner, board certified in pulmonary medicine and chairman of Condell’s Sleep Medicine department, will explain how noninvasive sleep studies are used to assess and to diagnose sleep apnea, and the treatment options available.

“Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores,” Posner said. “The biggest telltale sign is how you feel during the day. Normal snoring doesn’t interfere with the quality of your sleep as much as sleep apnea does, so you’re less likely to suffer from extreme fatigue and sleepiness during the day.”

The program will begin with a tour of Advocate Condell’s Sleep Center to view the private hotel-like bedrooms that are used for more in-depth overnight and daytime sleep studies. Then, program participants will receive a free sleep screening to quickly assess whether they might need follow-up care. Dr. Posner will speak at about 7 p.m. and will answer questions after his presentation.

“Chronic sleep deprivation results in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and an increased risk of accidents. Sleep apnea can also lead to serious health problems over time, including diabetes, high-blood pressure, heart disease and stroke,” Posner said.

“Sleep Apnea: Snore No More” is free, but registration is required by calling HealthAdvisor at (800) 323-8622. Code is 5G42.