Sleep apnea topic of
live Internet chat

---

Star-Bulletin staff

Sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing while sleeping, will be discussed by Dr. Inam Ur Rahman in a live chat from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.

Log onto the free chat at http://www.stfrancishawaii.org or its sister site, http://www.americasdoctor.com. It is accessible around the world.

About 12 million Americans have sleep apnea, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. When breathing stops, the brain signals people to awaken briefly to resume breathing.

Left untreated, the disorder may cause serious health problems, including high blood pressure and other cardiovascular complications as well as memory problems.

The American Sleep Apnea Association lists the following indications of sleep apnea: loud, habitual snoring; feeling tired and groggy in the morning and sleepy during waking hours; being overweight; observed to choke, gasp or hold your breath during sleep.

A transcript of the chat will be posted in the library archive of Americasdoctor.com. For more information, call 547-6337.