Hi -

I have experience with this both personally and with a friend. I had a sleep
study done many years ago and (as I expected) I had sleep apnea. I was put on a
CPAP machine and my sleep has been much better, I feel more rested and it has
probably improved my overall health. For those who don't know, a CPAP machine
presurizes normal room air and you wear some type of gear (either over the nose
or nose and mouth) which keeps the air passage in the throat open.

As noted previously, sleep apnea is a medical condition that can substantially
affect the overall physical and mental health of a person and could potentially
be life-threatening. This being the case, I would say it is vital you get a
referral from the doctor before working with a client. I'd also suggest, if
they have been recommended to use a CPAP machine, you work on suggestions for
them to be able to fall asleep quickly and easily even when wearing their
breathing mask as well as suggestions that it will feel quite comfortable. By
the way, most people get used to the device in a few days but may fight it at
first, so these suggestions will help them get over that initial problem. You
might discuss with the doctor what you plan to do, particularly the suggestions
to help the person feel more comfortable. This can be an issue with some
clients and, if you're successful, the doctor might even send more business your
way!

Many doctors will often recommend a particular machine and might even have a
couple of different masks (there are many designs out there) to try in the
office. One online company (not sure if they still do this) offered for an
extra fee a return of used masks so if you tried one for a month and didn't like
it, you could send it back and get a full refund and try a different style (just
an FYI but might help reassure the client that one style does not fit all and
there are many options out there for comfort).


We had a friend stay with us a few years ago who was diagnosed with sleep apnea
but refused to use a CPAP machine. He didn't sleep well, often felt tired
during the day and snored VERY loudly. I did a short session with him one day,
suggesting to his unconscious to make sure the soft tissue in the throat would
not totally relax during sleep but would keep a small amount of "tension" to
keep the passage open. I noticed the very next night while passing his bedroom
that there was very little snoring and the sound was substantially reduced. He
noticed within a day or two how much better he was feeling.

I only did this work with him because he so completely refused to use the CPAP
(at that point I'd had one a couple of years and told him how well it worked but
he was very stubborn). I was actually surprised at how completely it took the
very first night. He stayed with us another 4 days and I was able to listen
every night and could hear the difference from the first 3 nights.

Had he been a client at my office, I would most likely have approached it
differently: Getting a referral, giving a sleep trigger to help him fall asleep
quickly and suggestions for the comfort of the mask and to know how it would
help him feel better.

Good Luck!

Burt Borkan
www.TwoSession.com
Hollywood/Miami, Florida