As it is, those suffering from sleep apnea may not know the feeling of having a good night’s sleep. From very loud snoring to cessation of breathing and constant tiredness, sleep apnea presents a huge quality of life challenge. Thankfully many who attempt the continuous positive airway pressure popularly referred to as CPAP therapy discover that it is quite exceptional. Future articles will discuss inspirational cases of CPAP usage.
Gary’s Story: That extra energy they have which can be used in doing other things that they love, such as spending time with family.
Gary, a 49-year-old landscape architect, had problems with fatigue for years. They depict a scene that after few hours at work, he struggles to stay awake at his desk. He also becomes too tired in the evening to be able to do what he loves to do, or even to play with the two kids he has. Sometimes, he was found dozing by 8 PM.
One day his wife woke up sore and annoyed with him because he snored loudly and choked during sleep, which led him to see a specialist and learn that he has severe sleep apnea. He is using a specific type of CPAP machine known as the auto-titrating machine which adjusts the air pressure to the required level at night.
The first week of therapy with CPAP allowed Gary to wake up alert, which he had not experienced in the past several years, and maintain high levels of energy throughout work hours. He has continued to use CPAP at night for the past two years since he was started on treatment. The significant increase in the quantity and quality of sleep that Gary has enjoyed signifies that he can now spend his evenings as a coach of his son’s little league team and wake up in the morning to go for bike rides with his wife. He feels brand new, he feels like he has been reborn in a way, or at least that is how it feels when you see a new born baby.
Michelle’s Story: Accident-Free Commute
Michelle, 44 years old, often complained of having a foggy mind, especially when she is sleepy or exhausted. Even after having a full night’s rest, she would still feel drowsy and not fully awake during a 45 min drive to work. Michelle, in particular, was accustomed to drowsy driving that resulted in three minor accidents within a year. It was at this point that her doctor suggested that she get an overnight sleep study.
The sleep study indicated that Michelle was suffering from the severe forms of sleep apnea. In the case of sleep, she experienced over 50 apnoea and hypopnoea events per hour! Michelle had a lot of problems during her morning drive and after starting with the nightly use of the CPAP, she saw a huge change for the better. She said that she woke up feeling that she was full of energy and ready to go – her eyes were sparkling and she felt like a squirrel who is ready to go on and start working on what had been planned for the following days.
In the past five years, Michelle has consistently used CPAP and kept several vital measurements stable. Consequently, they do not have further car accidents caused by drowsy driving any longer as the subject has learned how to prevent it. She has said that CPAP has been so beneficial in helping her be safe when in the car.
Rogelio’s Story: Reduction in Blood Pressure
High blood pressure was a major issue in Rogelio’s past, and so starting this year, he was on several medications in an effort to reduce it. He had his medication, but his blood pressure never fell under normal range to a point of threatening his life. Rogelio’s family: Well, they did observe him snoring at night and pausing occasionally, gasping for breath. These indicators led to a referral to a sleep clinic.
In the case of Rogelio, the sleep study showed that he had severe sleep apnea with oxygen level dropping to as low as thirty-three percent for more than ten times in an hour. The physician suggested that the patient should first try CPAP therapy in managing the sleep apnea before considering other medications for hypertension.
The first night on the CPAP therapy was a little challenging for Rogelio; however, the following nights proved to be comfortable for him, which he has never experienced in the past years. Finally, two weeks later when he has had been using CPAP for two weeks his 24-hour blood pressure drastically reduced.
After six months of continuing use of CPAP, Rogelio’s cardiologist was successful in reducing two of the three prescribed blood pressure medications. Patient and Dr were surprised at how this changed this particular health concern through effectively treating his sleep apnea through use of CPAP.
Jenn’s Story: Living a Joyful Life
Jenn who is now 52 years of age had been experiencing fatigue, depressive moods and constant weight gain beginning at her late 30’s. Despite losing weight through exercise and diet, she actually put on weight at the rate of almost 10 pounds per annum and her quality of life deteriorated. Jenn only had energy for basic necessities and most days could not even go out to visit friends or indulge in gardening which is her favorite hobby. She was waiting for the next day to come with such a hope, thinking that her condition might be early aging.
Janet, Jenn’s longtime partner, was concerned by her deep-end snoring and her tendency to gasp and have an irregular breathing pattern during the night. Because of Janet, Jenn agreed that they should see an expert in sleep appointments to be sure that they are not suffering from any conditions. Jenn also decided to try CPAP after a sleep study revealed severe sleep apnea for an entire night although she still doubted the therapy could improve her condition.
Included within the initial ten days of receiving CPAP therapy, Jenn was surprised to find the levels of sustained energy. Since she could strictly use the CPAP each night, she took up gardening again and could also invite her friends for a get together. She claimed that she feels happy and has been taking good care of herself. In over two years, Jenn has managed to shed ‘almost half her size’, cutting down on the amount of food she ate and taking walks every day. She said that CPAP is her “miracle treatment” and she thinks that she should have been prescribed it years ago.
Living with a confirmed diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea means your doctor may recommend you use CPAP to change your life.
As for success stories mentioned above, other patients also emphasize that properly set and regularly used CPAP can change the problems and health conditions for the best. Whereas the condition of sleep apnea interrupts breathing during sleep, CPAP addresses the source and enables the body to get the restorative sleep that it requires and function correctly.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you or a loved one exhibit signs of sleep apnea, consulting a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders is highly advisable. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can significantly impact your health and quality of life. A formal sleep study can help determine if CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is a suitable solution for the sleep issues disrupting your waking hours.
CPAP therapy works by keeping your airways open while you sleep, preventing the interruptions in breathing that characterize sleep apnea. However, adapting to CPAP equipment requires consistency and perseverance. The initial adjustment period can be challenging, but the benefits are well worth the effort. By remaining committed to using CPAP therapy, you can experience significant positive changes in your sleep quality, daytime alertness, and overall health.
Effective treatment of sleep apnea not only improves your sleep but also reduces the risk of related health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Consulting a doctor and undergoing a sleep study are crucial steps towards managing sleep apnea and improving your well-being.
