Go To Sleep

In Monday's NPR health blog there was a feature on sleep apnea. The subject of sleep apnea has become so over blown it's enough to put me to sleep. I'm sure there are many people out there who would function better if their sleep apnea was recognized and treated but nowadays it seems as if everyone gets an invitation to an overnight party at a sleep lab. CPAP machines have almost become in the new century what the exercise belt machine was to the fifties.

The article linked above discusses the business side of this trend. In doing so, once again two of the very worst features of the US system of healthcare are brought to light. Actually, it's one feature but shared by two parties: Greed. Incredibly, we continue to pay doctors to do procedures. The more sleep apnea tests one does, the more money they get paid. And, on the other side of the perverse equation, the more tests an insurer can dodge or decline the more premium dollars they can retain. For the life of me I don't know how the public can live with this system, a system which has as its financial foundation a conflict of interest that places the providing of medical care at the mercy of profit taking. It is a ridiculous design that indubitably creates more health risks than sleep apnea.

When I hear about people who fear healthcare reform, people who rally against "socialized medicine," they are playing directly into the hands of those parties who over indulge at the healthcare banquet. I can only hope that somehow the American public will find enlightenment and revolt. Having income tied proportionally to access and treatment is far worse than any distorted fear of "socialism." Somehow the word "socialist" just doesn't sound as frightening to me as "selfish."

One other thing:  Finger jabs and nudges can be used to restore healthy breathing at night. While perhaps not always as effective as the CPAP machine, they're free and can address both the sleep apnea as well as relieving those little frustrations that build up in the course of a day...just ask my wife.