It was my intention to publish this blog post sooner, but I didn’t want to open up. It hurt too much. At the end of September, my father suddenly passed away and I think it’ll be some time before I come to terms with what happened. He stopped breathing in his sleep and was successfully resuscitated many agonizing minutes later, but the damage was done; my dad was gone and he would never be the man that raised, inspired, and motivated me ever again. Saying goodbye to him was the hardest thing I have ever done.
Here at Bed Block, we are advocates for healthy, happy sleep. It is because my father’s death was sleep related that I feel compelled to share his story with you.
Once my father was rushed to the hospital and tests ensued, the doctors concluded that he most likely suffered from sleep apnea, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. My father had some of the tell-tale signs of the disorder, including carrying a few extra pounds and snoring loudly. He recognized that a sleep study was likely in order, but he would get to it another day. After, there is always tomorrow right?
After his passing, my mother proclaimed that she would make it her priority to raise awareness for this unsuspecting threat. In my dad’s honor, I, my wife, and our family and friends have helped her to spread the word about sleep apnea. Once diagnosed, it is very manageable and even reversible. I’d give anything to have gotten my father on the path to treatment.
Since we started to talk to others about sleep apnea, we have come across so many people that have either suspected that they or a loved one may suffer from the condition, or who were actually diagnosed. My father-in-law was among those that immediately scheduled a sleep study, received the news, and got hooked up to a CPAP for his nightly slumbers.
My mission to promote—and hopefully help to provide—the ideal sleep experience is more important than ever. Your life depends on it.
I will say, the Bed Block cannot treat or help with sleep apnea, but it can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with many conditions that impact sleep, so it is most certainly an important piece of the puzzle. Thank you for making our product a part of your journey to optimal sleep.
If you or someone you know is showing potential symptoms of sleep apnea, please consider what could be a life-saving sleep study. Talk to your doctor about
your options and don’t wait to learn more. I wish you health and happiness as we move forward. I will be doing everything I can do live through his legacy and provide my boys the cherished childhood he provided me.
- Travis