Support Groups relating to Obstructive Sleep Apnea

People with sleep disorders often have a history of having been to several doctors who were unable to diagnose their condition. They may have been labeled as suffering from depression or even hypochondria. Because sleep disorder sufferers frequently look healthy, the public and family members often have little sympathy and see their fatigue as laziness.

Once an individual is correctly diagnosed and undergoing treatment, it is important that they have support and encouragement to continue on their treatment plan. Support groups help in several ways. They:

• Alleviate isolation and the feeling that they are the only one with this condition.
• Provide emotional support, understanding, and validation of their experience.
• Allow members to learn from each other by showing new and more effective means of coping with the condition.
• Provide a safe place to unburden themselves about things they may not be able to share anywhere else.

• Education: It is important for patients to learn as much as they can about their condition and how to successfully and proactively manage it. Good sources of information are support group members, doctors and other health care professionals, public and medical libraries, bookstores, videos, lectures at local hospitals and the Internet.
• Personal empowerment: Being informed about treatment choices and options. Remember that knowledge is power.
• Discussion: A forum where individuals can discuss critical issues, learn of the latest medical developments and get helpful advice from other patients with more experience.
• Communication and understanding: Patients and their families may lack open communication. Learning about a loved one's condition and emotional needs from a health care professional or other support group members can bridge the communication gap and foster understanding and support. The patient needs to believe strongly in their ability to achieve and maintain a productive and happy life.

Support for Sleep Disorders

• International Sleep Medicine Association
• SleepDisorders.com
• National Sleep Foundation
• Awake in America

• Sequoia Sleep Disorders Center A.W.A.K.E. Group - Redwood City, California.
• Alberta Lung Association - Sleep Apnea
• American Sleep Apnea Association
• Irish Sleep Apnoea Trust
• SIDS Network

• Restless Legs Support Group
• Southern California Restless Legs Syndrome Support Group

• Narcoleptics and Partners (N.A.P.) - Chicago, IL
• Narcolepsy Network
• Narcolepsy Association UK
• Narcolepsy Message Board and Help Forum
  
  

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