For some of us, it’s easy to know if we snore, because we have a partner to tell us about it in the morning. But for those of us who don’t, snoring or sleep apnea could be plaguing us, and we would never know it. Thankfully, the people at Amazon are working hard to address this problem with a prototype robot called “Brahms.” Using AI like their popular smart robot, Alexa, Brahms will be designed to monitor sleep patterns and can even detect irregularities like sleep apnea.
Though Brahms is still under development, the device has the potential to help many people if it debuts on the marketplace as planned. In the meantime, there are still ways that those who sleep alone can monitor their sleep patterns and self-screen for sleep apnea.
First of all, if you suspect you may have sleep apnea, speak to your doctor about getting tested. Often you can borrow equipment to conduct the test yourself at home without needing to go into a sleep center to do a sleep study. Warning signs for sleep apnea during the day include excessive sleepiness or lethargy, depression, and even worsening of symptoms from diabetes or heart issues.
You can also pre-screen yourself at home with the use of some smartwatches which monitor sleep patterns. Any pattern which shows you tossing and turning or frequently waking during sleep is a red flag that you should speak to a physician about your sleep habits.
Once you have a sleep apnea diagnosis, you have more options depending on your individual situation. One common option for people with sleep apnea is CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure therapy. A CPAP machine forces air into the airway, propping it open so you can breathe in a reclining position. Though CPAP is very effective when used properly, many people find it uncomfortable and do not use it as prescribed.
Another great option is a sleep orthotic, which serves a similar purpose to CPAP therapy. A sleep orthotic props the mouth into a position that is ideal for breathing while lying down, allowing for better breathing during sleep. Dr. Abelar trusts the SomnodentMAS sleep orthotic. To learn more about if this treatment is right for you, or with any questions about sleep apnea, contact Dr. Abelar for a consultation.
