How sleep care helped reclaim energy, health & life

Jack Dopira has faced a series of serious health challenges over the years, including heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. He was hospitalized in March with sepsis—a life-threatening condition that marked a turning point in his health journey. During his treatment, Jack discovered the critical role sleep plays in overall wellness.

Following his hospital stay, Jack began a personalized treatment plan for obstructive sleep apnea at St. Luke’s Sleep Medicine. The results have been transformative. Now 70 years old, Jack wakes up feeling refreshed, tackles household chores with renewed energy, and says he feels 20 years younger. “My neighbor even calls me the Energizer Bunny,” the Summit Hill resident shared.

Expert sleep care has significantly improved Jack’s health, underscoring the value of a comprehensive sleep management plan through St. Luke’s Sleep Medicine.

Despite losing 55 pounds through GLP-1 therapy to address chronic health issues, Jack continued to experience fatigue and discomfort. In March, after eating a haddock dinner, he developed stomach pain and vomiting. The next morning, he lacked the energy to even shower. He drove himself to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with sepsis and required gallbladder surgery. Transferred to St. Luke’s Allentown Campus, Jack began recovery. It was nurse Bridget who noticed his oxygen levels dropped into the low 80s during sleep—a red flag that led to further evaluation.

Although Jack had used a CPAP device for five years, it wasn’t effectively improving his sleep. Jill Lechner, CRNP at St. Luke’s Sleep Medicine, conducted a sleep study in April that confirmed obstructive sleep apnea. A second overnight study at St. Luke’s Miners Campus and consultation with neurologist and sleep medicine specialist David A. Cohen, MD, led to a revised CPAP treatment plan. The impact has been life-changing.

“Jack has been a wonderful patient to work with,” Jill said. “He is very receptive to recommendations, and I expect his outcome to be excellent, as he is very motivated to make the necessary changes to improve his health.”

Now off GLP-1 medication, Jack is working with a clinical dietitian to reach his goal weight of 225 pounds. His story highlights the importance of proactive health management.

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