PRINTER'S NO. 3265
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
721
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY DONATUCCI, KIM, SCHMITT, BIZZARRO, WARREN, KORTZ,
HENNESSEY, SCHLEGEL CULVER, MURT, MILLARD, BROOKS AND
LONGIETTI, FEBRUARY 4, 2020
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, FEBRUARY 4, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of March 1 through 8, 2020, as "Sleep Apnea
Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing
is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep; and
WHEREAS, The National Sleep Foundation reports that more than
18 million American adults have sleep apnea; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 2% to 3% of American children suffer
from sleep apnea; and
WHEREAS, Sleep apnea in children may be associated with poor
growth, a failure to thrive, development issues and behavioral
complications; and
WHEREAS, The three types of sleep apnea are obstructive,
central and complex; and
WHEREAS, Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of
sleep apnea and occurs when the muscles that support the soft
tissue in the throat temporarily relax, narrowing the airway,
and momentarily cut off breathing; and
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WHEREAS, Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when
the brain fails to signal the muscles used to breathe; and
WHEREAS, Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive
and central sleep apneas; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring,
persistent daytime sleepiness, awakening out of breath during
the night and mood and memory issues; and
WHEREAS, Sleep apnea treatments include the use of a
continuous positive airway pressure device, dental appliances,
repositioning the lower jaw and tongue and upper airway surgery
to remove tissue in the airway; and
WHEREAS, Those who suffer from sleep apnea can reduce the
severity of the disorder by losing weight, avoiding alcohol and
quitting smoking; and
WHEREAS, Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed and, if left
untreated, can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease,
stroke, diabetes, depression and other ailments and automobile
accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
week of March 1 through 8, 2020, as "Sleep Apnea Awareness Week"
in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize "Sleep
Apnea Awareness Week" to raise awareness, increase education on
the long-term effects and encourage those who believe they
suffer from sleep apnea to seek medical treatment.
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