I have a issue with Sleep Apnea, I was diagnosed around 2002 or so… Â For those, unfamiliar with Sleep Apnea, Sleep apnea (or Sleep apnoea) is sleep disorder that causes issues with the Airway closing. Â So they may stop breathing for short periods, often for 10 seconds or more. This means that 3-4 breaths are missed and as a result of this, those affected are often tired during the day.
I highly recommend that if you use a CPAP machine, and you are unhappy with your mask. Â Don’t suffer through continuing to use the mask… Â Check out a replacement. Â For the two months or so, I’ve been quite tired but I attributed it to the colds that have been running through the house… Â But I just had my CPAP device checked out, and swapped out for a better mask, and I am feeling a heck of a lot better….
I believe that the mask that I changed to last year, was not as sturdy as my previous one, and the airseal has been steadily degrading… Â Since a CPAP device (Constant Positive Air Pressure), uses this air pressure to keep the airway open, if the airseal was sealing properly then I would not have been getting the full benefit of the treatment..
Why is this a concern? Â Well, it leads to Sleep deprivation… Â Sounds innocent, doesn’t it? Â But Sleep deprivation can be devasting:
- aching muscles
- dizziness and nausea
- dry mouth
- hallucinations
- hand tremors
- headaches
- increased blood pressure
- increased risk for diabetes
- increased risk of fibromyalgia
- irritability
- memory lapses or loss
- nystagmus (rapid involuntary rhythmic eye movement)
- obesity
- slowed word recall
- temper tantrums in children
- yawning
- symptoms similar to Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) and psychosis
So please pay attention if you feel tired, and don’t believe that being tired is okay… Â It’s not…