Blog
Sleep Apnea Awareness Seminar
Posted on April 17, 2026 12:21 PM by Admin
Categories:
Education
When Sleep Isn’t Really Sleep: A Community Conversation That Hit Home
Most of us don’t really think about sleep until something seems wrong. Maybe you wake up tired, toss and turn at night, or someone mentions that you snore loudly. Over time, these things can start to feel normal.
But last week’s Community Education Seminar at Quail Point Lodge made us rethink what’s really normal when it comes to sleep.
About 20 people attended as Dr. Ronald Prehn gave an eye-opening talk on sleep apnea. He explained things in a way that was easy to understand, but some facts were a bit unsettling. Once you learn what really happens during disrupted sleep, it’s hard to forget.
Sleep Is Not “Shut Down” Mode
One of the first important points was simple: sleep doesn’t mean the brain shuts off. In fact, the brain stays very active.
Dr. Prehn explained that normal sleep cycles are about 75 percent non-REM sleep and 25 percent REM sleep. REM is the stage linked to dreaming and memory. These cycles repeat all night, letting the body repair itself and the brain organize information.
In short, sleep is hard at work for us.
But when sleep keeps getting interrupted, the effects can build up over time.
What Sleep Apnea Really Looks Like
Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring. It’s a condition where breathing gets blocked during sleep, often at the base of the tongue. This limits airflow and makes the body work hard just to keep breathing while trying to rest.
Dr. Prehn went over some common warning signs. Many people ignore these or just get used to them:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Pauses in breathing followed by gasping or snorting
- Waking up choking
- Frequent waking or restless sleep
- Daytime fatigue
- Acid reflux
- Teeth grinding and nighttime clenching
The last point really stood out. Many people clench or grind their teeth at night without realizing it’s their body’s way of trying to keep the airway open. It’s not just a dental problem—it can be a sign that breathing is a struggle during sleep.
A Startling Reality
A memorable moment came when a video explained why we snore. The room grew quiet—not the relaxed kind, but the kind where people start to realize what’s really going on.
What seems like just a nuisance can actually be a serious health risk. Research from the presentation shows that heavy snoring is linked to a higher risk of stroke and heart disease.
Even more surprising was learning that during apnea events, the body has to choose between sleeping and breathing. When this happens night after night, it really takes a toll.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
The good news is that sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated.
Diagnosis might include questionnaires, a clinical exam, or sleep studies. Some of these can even be done at home.
After diagnosis, treatment options depend on each person’s needs:
Lifestyle adjustments such as weight management, reducing alcohol intake, improving sleep habits, and side sleeping
CPAP and related devices that maintain airway pressure
Oral appliance therapy, including custom dental devices that reposition the jaw to keep the airway open
In some cases, surgical options
One important takeaway was that not everyone can use traditional CPAP machines. Dr. Prehn pointed out that many patients have trouble with them over time, so having other options is important.
A Real Impact
Since the seminar, some attendees have already told us they found the information helpful and timely.
One person shared that she’s struggled with sleep apnea for over four years without finding a good solution. After the session, she felt she understood her situation better and had a new sense of direction.
Stories like this are exactly why these events are important.
Continuing the Conversation
If you couldn’t make it, here is a copy of Dr. Prehn's presentation. Additionally, here are the resources that he recommends:
Sleep is one of the most important—and most often overlooked—parts of our health. When we sleep well, everything feels easier. When we don’t, it affects almost every part of our lives.
Sometimes, just understanding what’s going on can make all the difference.
And sometimes, it starts with realizing that “just snoring” shouldn’t be ignored.
No Comments
