[Dixielandjazz] Re: falling asleep on the job (not OT)

[David Richoux]

One thing I have learned about being tired and dropping off to sleep  
in inappropriate circumstances - especially if you are a bit  
overweight and/or snore a lot - is to get a sleep test for Apnea!

  I had this problem about 10 years ago and got the test. It was  
determined that I had moderate apnea and the possible cures were: a  
plastic "mouth-guard" to move my lower jaw forward while I slept  
(tried that - didn't work,) drastic surgery to move my jaw and tongue  
forward and reshape my palate (DID NOT DO THAT!  - no idea what it  
would have done to my tuba playing,) and the thing that worked: a  
small air pump and face mask called a CPAP that I use every night  
while I sleep. No more snoring, I get good quality sleep and my  
general health has been much improved. I also think my playing has  
improved as well!

Seriously, this is something that has passed beyond "experimental  
medicine" and has become very accepted. Do a google on "apnea" or  
"CPAP" and check it out. http://www.sleepapnea.org/  and http:// 
www.apneanet.org/  are good starting points.

Dave Richoux

On Feb 21, 2006, at 5:04 PM, Bonnie Otto wrote:


>
> Re: Falling asleep......... During the old Wooden Nickel days, Bob  
> Williams would fall asleep on stage.... during piano solos. In  
> turn, I always asked if he had taken a solo. He had. I just didn't  
> notice.