from the course notes -

Sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition. It is important to determine whether your sleep apnea condition persists, or has ceased, or to what extent it has reduced in number of incidents, duration of incidents & degree of severity, and to know whether treatment by CPAP or other medical intervention is necessary.

Self observation or observation by a bed partner can give anecdotal evidence of improvements such as elimination or reduction in frequency & duration of observed apneas, reduction in episodes of self-waking with snort, gasp, choking or startled sensation, reduction/elimination of observed snoring, feeling of more clarity on waking, reduced dryness or soreness in throat, increased energy during the day & reduction in day time drowsiness.

While these observations are important, they are not definite clinical evidence of elimination of the sleep apnea condition & syndrome. This can only be determined by an overnight sleep study in a sleep disorders clinic. It is the client's responsibility to determine the state of his/her sleep apnea condition & to follow medical advice regarding necessary treatment of the condition.

sandra