Dr Jill Valerius and Lee Henrikson begin a four-part discussion about sleep apnea.

Part One Nov.10, 2025:

Sleep Apnea is when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often with loud snoring and or gasping. Dr. Jill describes the three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and combination. Dr. Jill lists the common symptoms for adults and children. She  explains why it is so important to get enough and the correct kind of sleep.

Part Two Nov. 17, 2025:

Dr. Jill discusses diagnosing sleep apnea. 80% of people with moderate to severe sleep apnea are undiagnosed. The first step to a diagnosis would be an online questionnaire. Next would be a sleep study, either at home or in a lab. Lee asked about the new technology, Apple watches, Fitbit, and Oura Rings, and what they can track.

Part Three Nov. 24, 2025:

One sign that you might need a sleep apnea test is how often you are told you snore. Dr. Jill tells us what they are looking for when a sleep test is done. She also speaks of what can happen if you ignore the signs of sleep apnea. It can lead to metabolic dysfunctions, heart disease, liver disease, weight gain, progressive memory issues, and much more. Dr. Jill also explains why it is so important to test children and all the issues that proper treatment can fix.

Part Four Dec. 1, 2025: 

Lee and Dr. Jill discuss the treatments for sleep apnea. These include: don’t sleep on your back; limit alcohol and sedatives especially near bedtime; and lose 5 to 10% weight. The most common treatment is a C-PAP machine. There are many types of breathing machines in this category. Please listen to learn about getting a sleep study and working with your doctor to choose the proper treatment for you.