After experiencing extreme fatigue throughout the day and morning headaches, Chankisa Mims knew something was wrong, yet the doctors were missing the true diagnosis. After much advocating and urging doctors to look deeper, she was finally diagnosed with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea. After leaving her sleep apnea left untreated, she was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Disorder, and later Vascular Dementia. This new diagnosis sent her on a research journey. From neurologists, doctors, and research, Chankisa would learn that Hypoxemia, or lack of oxygen, which often occurs due to obstructive sleep apnea was causing more than just sleep disturbance. It was causing changes in the White Matter of her brain.
In this book Chankisa candidly shares about her health journey to bring awareness to the fact that sleep apnea is highly undiagnosed; it can have detrimental effects on the lives of its victims if left untreated. Her goal in writing this book is to also make known the association between severe obstructive sleep apnea, white matter changes in the brain, and cognitive decline. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you want to read this story!