Catching ZZZs with ease
Lung association program helps put sleep apnea to rest
For years, Allen Shaw went without having a proper night’s sleep.
When he did doze off he often woke up out of breath and with a dry mouth. He also snored heavily and daytime naps could be frequent.
What he didn’t realize was that he was living with sleep apnea. When he was finally diagnosed, after being referred for testing by his doctor, it was determined that during his sleep periods, his breathing would stop as much as 40 times per hour.
“I went like that for a long time,” Shaw, 48, said, of his decades of broken sleep.
“I drove a cab for many years. And for me, up and down all night, never actually got a full night’s sleep,” he said.
Often, during lull periods in the cab, “I’d just back into a corner somewhere and have a snooze.”
What he needed was the aid of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine while sleeping. But with the cost of the machines ranging upwards of $1,500 Shaw was not in the financial position to purchase one.
After learning of a program o ered through the Nova Scotia Lung Association, which provides used and refurbished machines to low-income individuals, Shaw put his name on the waiting list. Approximately one year later, he was informed his number had come up.
That was approximately three years ago and Shaw said the difference for him has been life changing in various respects.
“It’s allowed me to have longer sleeps through the night. I’m not waking up short of breath or waking myself up,” he said. “And I don’t nap that much through the day anymore.”
Additionally, Shaw said his “better half” tells him he doesn’t snore like he used to.
“Most nights she doesn’t hear me at all,” he said. “It has done wonders.”
Shaw described the lung association’s sleep apnea program as “excellent” and said anyone
else in his position would be wise to check it out.
“If someone was having trouble I would de nitely say they should be checked. “And if they don’t have the money, call the lung association. Because they will do their damnedest to nd a way to help you get through.”