Sleep Disorders - Sleep Apnea and Benefits of CPAP Devices

Before I knew I had Sleep Apnea, I had always been someone who could fall asleep at the drop of a pin. I would fall asleep while entertaining company in my home, while in the car waiting at a red light, in meetings at work, while watching a movie in movie theaters and even waiting for my kids or wife while they attended their activities outside the home.

I had no problem falling asleep at night, so I never suspected I had Sleep Apnea, it was more an issue on how to stay awake or so I thought! But my snoring was also causing my wife night after night of restless sleep and anxiety. Finally after realizing how bad things were getting. I finally decided to see my doctor, maybe he could shed some light as to why I was always falling asleep, surely I was missing something.

It didn't take him long to suggest I had a sleep problem all right, but it was sleep deprivation, not too much sleep. Welcome to Sleep Apnea and CPAP.

So here's what I know. If you are like me and you fall asleep easily - anywhere, then you probably are not getting enough sleep or should I say quality sleep at night. The problem is my breathing was restricted when I would lie down. Soft tissue inside the back of my sinuses, would close and block my breathing - over 250 times per 6 hour sleep period. As a result I not only snored very loudly, I also stopped breathing hundreds of times every night, my body and mind were never rested. I was always tired during my waking hours as well.

So what seemed like I needed too much sleep all the time, was actually not getting enough quality sleep when it counts the most. I also found out Sleep Apnea is extremely hard on your heart, and if left unchecked can take years off your life.

My doctor sent me to a Sleep Disorder Clinic. If you experience any of the above symptoms, please see your doctor too.

When I went to the Sleep Disorder Clinic, my first thought was I will have to stay there overnight at which time they will connect me up to their machines and monitor. I found they now have mobile home units for diagnosis. With simple instruction, I was able to take home one of these diagnostic machines and connect it up to myself just before going to sleep for the night. Only one night is required for analysis, then I returned the machine to the Sleep Disorder Clinic the next day. It takes about 4 weeks to get back the results.

For myself, I was found to have Severe Sleep Apnea, bordering dangerous. So the next step was for me to get fitted with my own CPAP machine. At last relief was on its way.

The CPAP machine provides a steady flow of air into your sinuses, and keeps them open all night long. The units are individually configured for each patient. Depending on your test results, you may require a stronger or weaker air flow than others. They have a container for distilled water to provide moisture so your throat doesn't dry out. This is great in the winter if you live in a cold climate, its like having your own warm air mister.

These units comes with various masks and can be fitted to any shape of face. It can take a few days to get used to wearing the mask, but before you know it, you won't be able to sleep without it.

These units reduce your snoring to almost nothing, now its the cats snoring that wakes everyone up. I found I have much better attention span in all activities, including driving home from work. I rarely ever have problems where I am falling asleep during the day time during normal activities. I wake up refreshed in the morning and now don't fall asleep during office meetings, which has likely saved my job as well.

If you are experiencing the same problem as I was, always falling asleep during the daytime, please go see your doctor and ask to be checked for Sleep Apnea. It may save your life, your marriage, and your job. These units may also be covered under your health insurance, but if not they can run about $2000.00. But believe me, it is worth every cent!