David Nash, former Harlem Globetrotter.
Photo: National Library of Medicine
A former National Basketball Association (NBA) player and member of the Harlem Globetrotters, David Nash knows the value of a good night's sleep.
That's why, when he began to be troubled by sleep apnea, he talked to his health provider about solutions right away.
Sleep apnea—a condition that causes sufferers to snore, repeatedly awaken, and take in too little oxygen while trying to sleep—affects an estimated 28 million Americans. It is one of the most common and troubling sleep disorders. At least 1 in 10 older adults, and as many as 1 in 5 older adults have sleep apnea.
To Find Out More
MedlinePlus Sleep Disorders
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sleepdisorders.html
NHLBI Your Guide to Healthy Sleep
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/sleep/
healthy_sleep.pdf
NHLBI Diseases and Conditions Index (DCI) Includes articles on sleep disorders, tests, and procedures, along with videos, podcasts, and Spanish-language articles. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/index.html
NHLBI Health Topics pages for sleep conditions:
Like many sleep apnea sufferers, Nash has gotten relief through the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, the most common device for treating this problem. With CPAP machines (above), a mask covers the mouth and nose, or sometimes just the nose. The mask is connected to a machine that gently blows air into the throat to keep the airways open. Your healthcare provider will suggest the appropriate treatment based on your individual needs.
When Nash travels as part of his education and outreach work for the National Library of Medicine, he takes the CPAP machine along to make sure he gets a good night's uninterrupted sleep.
