13: Reflections

Chapter 13: Reflections

I have looked at a great deal of evidence and tried to connect known facts to come to a conclusion about SIDS. While many have believed that harmful rebreathing may be involved in some cases of SIDS, I have attempted to show how it is the cause in all cases, and as such, is the only cause of SIDS. I have also looked at the other implications of depleted rebreathing and have suggested that it may be the cause of many other disabilities for which currently there is no known cause. Also mixed in are other theories such as: the possible relationship between breathing and core heat regulation, how autism doesn’t surface until later, as well as a radical suggestion that depleted rebreathing is the cause of sexuality identity. I have also researched the possible outcomes of sleeping with breathing under the covers which can result in symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, or lead to Alzheimer's disease.

More importantly I have offered suggestions with regard to the avoidance of SIDS, and other exceptionalities. I believe that over time as these practices become known, familiar and practiced, the occurrence of SIDS and many disabilities will continue to decrease. We can at least hope.

Some disorders seem to run in families and because of that consideration, genetics is often considered as the root cause. However, often a genetic link appears difficult to find probably because it doesn’t exist. If we consider that families tend to practice similar habits (children mimic the behaviour of their parents), including sleeping with the head covered, couldn’t depleted rebreathing be the cause of these patterns, rather than genetics? In other words, could the fact that learning disabilities sometimes runs in families be due to their sleeping practices rather than some genetic factor.

Also importantly, I hope that others, be they doctors or researchers, will use the theories and suggestions I have made here to drive other studies, be that to prove me wrong, or to add to what is known, using their professional knowledge to tweak and improve overall knowledge about these issues. Many of the suggestions that I have made, such as the relationship between pacifier use and disabilities, need to be verified by statistical studies. Until then they are mere theories and speculation.

I have made what to me is a logical connection between SIDS, exceptionalities, and what I have called the “male factor”. If I have correctly tied these to depleted rebreathing, then the prospect of avoiding SIDS or many disabilities is very good, because simple practices by parents and caregivers are the preventative cure, which is nothing too complicated. I would hope it to be true. Not only would it be a blessing to those parents who avoided a SIDS death (although they would never know that they did), but it would improve the overall quality of life for their children. Consider for a moment, if the theory holds true, the many disabilities that could be avoided. Not only will that have implications for the individuals themselves who avoided disabilities, but would improve education overall, including reducing the cost of education. When the link between learning disabilities and crime, or between learning disabilities and mental illness, is considered, it is easy to see that the benefits could be far reaching. When we consider that mental disorders, including schizophrenia, are often related to learning disabilities earlier in life, is it possible that these individuals also practice sleeping with the head under the covers. Therefore these disorders may possibly be caused or exacerbated by this practice, and that a simple change in behaviour could reduce those outcomes, leading to a healthier life?

So there you have it. I hope that I have successfully explained my theories of how depleted rebreathing is responsible for many outcomes: SIDS, learning disabilities, autism, mental disorders, and others outcomes like MS and AD. I believe that my research has helped to strengthen the proof that these theories are on the right track. Most importantly I hope that my writing here will spur other researchers to consider some of their own theories and lead to their own research.

If I am right, that rebreathing is responsible for some or all of these disorders, then a simple drug-free, cost-free change in behaviour may result in considerable societal improvements and financial savings. I would hope.

Barry Stanley