Overcoming Grief and Saving Lives with Laing Rikkers

Real Things Living

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Laing Rikkers, the co-founder of ProSomnus Sleep Technologies, discusses the importance of being aware and treating obstructive sleep apnea.

She explains the difference between central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea, and how snoring can be a symptom of the latter.

She emphasizes that obstructive sleep apnea can affect anyone, regardless of age, and that it is a widespread condition that affects one in five adults.

Laing also highlights the dangers of untreated sleep apnea, which include cardiovascular disease, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and diabetes, among others.

She encourages people to get tested by their doctors and to find a treatment that works for them. ProSomnus Sleep Technologies created a device to help patients with obstructive sleep apnea, an alternative to the CPAP mask

Laing also shares a personal story about her younger sister who died from the condition, prompting her to write the book, “Morning Leaves: Reflections on Loss, Grief, and Connection”. Writing that book was a helpful outlet to process her emotions and navigate the difficult journey of grief.

The book, which is set to be released in May 2023, is a collection of reflections on loss, grief, and connection, and contains a lot of beautiful poetry.