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Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea
wp:paragraph Most of us have all encountered someone who has snored, and maybe you are a snorer yourself. Although snoring can ruin the occasional night’s sleep, it can also be indicative of a more serious issue: sleep apnea. So what is the difference between snoring and sleep apnea? /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3762,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Snoring is typically caused when tissues flap against each other in your throat and airways. This vibration causes that familiar night time noise. Simple snoring is generally considered benign, except possibly to others in close proximity to the snorer. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Sleep apnea is a partial or complete blockage of a person’s airways while they are sleeping. This causes their breathing to stop frequently during what should be a sweet slumber. Over time, this constantly interrupted sleep can be a factor in severe fatigue, depression, diabetes, and even stroke. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Considering that snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, how do you know which one you suffer from? In addition to snoring, those with sleep apnea may notice other symptoms, including: /wp:paragraph wp:list Extreme fatigue even after you just woke up Lack of energy Intense irritability Headaches, especially in the morning /wp:list wp:paragraph How do you know if you suffer from sleep apnea or are just a snorer? There is no way for the person themselves to know. Scheduling an appointment with your doctor is the best way to determine an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, and if you could have sleep apnea, probably will send you to a sleep specialist. You will need to spend a night at a sleep clinic to monitor your sleep habits, and from there, will determine if you do, in fact, have sleep apnea. If so, you will likely be prescribed a CPAP machine, which will help keep your airways open while you sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Snoring is not necessarily just an aggravating noise. It can signify more serious health issues that need to be addressed. Check with your doctor, and take control of your sleep and your health. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreHow Serious Is Snoring And Sleep Apnea?
wp:paragraph If you are a snorer, then you could make sleep difficult for others around you. But the problem with snoring that, if it is a symptom of sleep apnea, your own health could be at risk – and not simply due to a poor sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3753,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph Sleep apnea is a condition where your airways are constantly blocked when you are sleeping. That means during the night, you experience quick yet frequent interruptions. These nightly interruptions can have serious consequences for your overall health and well-being. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Just how serious is sleep apnea? Here are some of the affects you could experience: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Increased blood pressure: Sleep apnea can increase your blood pressure, which can be detrimental for those whose pressure is already high. The frequent wakeups stress your body, causing your hormones to increase, which raises your blood pressure levels. Type 2 diabetes: Here's a noteworthy fact: more than 50% of people with diabetes have sleep apnea as well. The lack of restful sleep disrupts your body’s use of insulin, which leads to diabetes. Heart disease: Constantly interrupted sleep affects how your body takes in oxygen. This means your brain and heart have to work harder to get the blood flowing around your body. Over time, this added stress can lead to heart disease or stroke. Extra weight: The lack of a good night’s sleep can leave you with a lack of energy, making it more difficult to exercise. What’s worse is those extra pounds can raise increase the likelihood of worsening your sleep apnea. Lack of concentration: Night after night, poor sleep can affect your ability to function and focus during the day. That inattention can be deadly for tasks where you need to be especially alert, such as driving or operating equipment. /wp:list wp:paragraph While it may sound ominous, the good news is that there are ways to treat sleep apnea. Your doctor may recommend a CPAP machine, which sends a gentle pressure along your airways to keep them open while you snooze. Along with general care about your overall health, you can prevent or reduce the likelihood of getting the associated health issues of sleep apnea. Make an appointment with your doctor today and enjoy restful sleeps for years to come /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreThe Benefits of Using CPAP
wp:image {"align":"center","id":3750,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend that you get a sleep apnea machine. Commonly known as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, this form of sleep therapy can reduce and even prevent the serious consequences that you could suffer as a result of your sleep apnea. What are the benefits of sleep apnea machines? Here are 5 of them: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Reduced risk of heart disease: Because you stop breathing so many times during the night, your body undergoes changes in blood pressure, reducing your blood’s oxygen levels, which can severely strain your heart. Your sleep apnea machine keeps your airways open, allowing a continuous flow of oxygen, thereby reducing the extra work your heart must do. Reduced risk for a stroke: Using your CPAP machine also reduces your risk of stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel is blocked or ruptures. Sleep apnea sufferers are 2 to 4 times more likely to experience a stroke. Decreased risk for diabetes: Did you know that using sleep apnea machines can also improve your sensitivity to insulin? Sleep apnea is related to insulin resistance, which is a factor in type 2 diabetes. Leaving it untreated increases your risk of getting this condition Increased concentration and alertness: Sleepiness and fatigue are two very common symptoms of sleep apnea. But by preventing the frequent wakeups, you will become better rested, resulting in increased overall alertness and concentration, beneficial for many daytime tasks such as driving. Decreased medical expenses: By improving your sleep, your overall health will improve. This can result in fewer appointments, fewer treatments, fewer medications, which can translate to fewer medical expenses as well. /wp:list wp:paragraph If you think you could have sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Get on the path to a healthy and well-rested life once again. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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The Health Risks of Snoring
wp:paragraph It happens to many of us: we snore. Often, it is purely situational, due to nasal congestion or sleeping in a wrong position. But consistent snoring can, over time, affect the quality of your sleep to the detriment of your health. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What causes snoring? Simply, you will snore when the air you breathe through your nose or mouth is physically blocked in some way. Sleep apnea is one common condition that causes snoring, which causes you to have frequent interruptions of stopped breathing while you sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you are a habitual snoring due to sleep apnea or other issues, you are at risk for a number of health problems, including: /wp:paragraph wp:list Poor sleep: With snoring or sleep apnea, the quality of your sleep is affected, either by interrupted sleep or only light sleeping. Chronic daytime fatigue and irritability: Poor sleeps will cause havoc with your wakeful times too. You may be irritable and tired all the time. This can lead to lack of focus for daily tasks, especially ones where you need to focus – like driving. Obesity: When you have a poor sleep, you have no energy during the day. And that, along with other related factors, will affect your desire to exercise, as well as your body’s metabolism. This can lead to obesity and its associated issues. Frequent headaches: When your body doesn’t get enough of a chance to recharge, it may signal that lack through frequent headaches. High blood pressure: Sleep apnea can be a cause of lower oxygen levels in your blood. This can be a factor in constricted blood vessels, which is a cause of higher blood pressure. Heart issues: That higher blood pressure can cause your heart to become enlarged. This leads to a higher risk of both heart attack and stroke. /wp:list wp:paragraph Snoring can be quite annoying, but if ignored, that snoring can lead to serious health issues. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause of your snoring, and stop any side effects before they can take hold. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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Sleep, Snoring and Sleep Apnea
wp:paragraph Are you one of those people who snore? If so, you are not alone. But do you know if your snoring is simply a factor of noisy sleeping, or whether it is due to a serious condition call obstructive sleep apnea? How can you tell the difference? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your run-of-the-mill snoring can be caused by a variety of issues, including weaker muscles in your tongue and throat, obstructed nasal airways, and being overweight. Sometimes simple measures, such as losing weight, exercising, and drinking less alcohol, can fix the problem. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea can be quite serious. People who suffer from this condition will move in and out of deep sleep many times at night because their airways temporarily become blocked, which greatly reduces the quality of sleep. Aside from disturbing your sleep, if left untreated, you are at greater risk for certain health issues, such as increased blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph But there are ways to remedy obstructive sleep apnea, and one of those strategies is with a CPAP machine. This device connects a tube from the machine to a mask that fits over your mouth and/or nose. Air is blown through the tube into your always to keep a steady and continuous flow of air. This keeps your airways open, which allows for normal breathing during sleep. Although it may take some getting used to, a CPAP machine can signal the end to snoring and the start of better sleeps. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Keeping yourself healthy is a great way to continue to enjoy life. And if you snore, regardless of the reason, make sure you consult your doctor. They can properly diagnose your issue and find the right solution for your specific situation. And that means you – and your partner – will get a better sleep. /wp:paragraph
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Should I use my CPAP machine with a cold?
wp:paragraph It’s that time of year where everyone around you seems to be coming down with something. Cold and flu season is never any fun to have to come to terms with, especially when you use a CPAP machine. It can be uncomfortable to try and sleep with a stuffed up nose and a headache amongst many of the other symptoms that your cold may present. With a CPAP machine, part of using it means your airways need to remain open and accessible for air to flow though as you sleep in order for the CPAP therapy to work properly. So cold tend to present a challenge for CPAP users. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The big question you may ask is: should you just forget about the CPAP machine when you have a bad cold? As tempting as it may seem, the one thing to keep in mind is that even one night without your CPAP machine can trigger your sleep apnea symptoms even worse than before. And if you thought that you were having trouble breathing in the first place with your cold, it will be even worse mixed with sleep apnea symptoms such as the pauses in breathing that can occur as you sleep. For these reasons, you are best to keep using your CPAP machine when you are sick, no matter how crappy you may feel. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are a few tips for CPAP machine users to keep in mind when you are dealing with a cold: /wp:paragraph wp:list A lot of over the counter medicines will help to alleviate many cold symptoms including saline spray. Don’t be afraid to use these in moderation to help you sleep better Do not attempt to drive if you are feeling drowsy Make sure you are keeping your CPAP machine clean on a regular basis, this will help with the overall function of the machine and can also help to prevent a bad cold in the first place Take advantage of heated humidification for your CPAP machine: this will help you to have a more comfortable experience using your CPAP machine, especially when you are sick Try keeping your head propped up: this helps to control any nasal drip and helps to alleviate stuffiness Give yourself time to rest! This is the key to helping overcome any cold. Give yourself a good day or two off work to get the rest you really need to fight this! /wp:list
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Time change adjustment tips for CPAP users
wp:paragraph This past weekend, many of us enjoyed an extra hour of sleep thanks to the Daylight Savings time change that occurred. As nice as that hour of sleep may have been, many of you may admit to having a bit of trouble sleeping at night, not just because of the time change itself, but because of how your internal body clock is programmed. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph When you use a CPAP mask at night, routine is so important for ensuring that the therapy works properly and you get a good night’s sleep. The “fall back” time change can affect your circadian rhythm, the part of your brain that reacts to light patterns in the day and night. And as great as it may have felt to sleep in for that extra hour, many of you may admit to your sleeping patterns being a bit haywire right now. Common symptoms of this include: increased headaches, lack of focus throughout the day, feelings of loneliness or depression, and possible spurts of insomnia throughout the night (and this includes waking up earlier than normal) /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph But fear not: as much of an adjustment this may be, there are ways you can work yourself back into your normal sleep routine and start sleeping normally at night again. Here are a few tips to adjusting to the time change: /wp:paragraph wp:list Regardless of whether you actually feel tired or not, go to bed at your usual time. It may take you a bit longer than normal to fall asleep, but this helps to reprogram your body’s internal clock. Likewise, try and wake up at your usual time each morning. Keep your bedroom cool and dark to help with the bedtime relaxation process Give yourself some time before bed to wind down from your hectic day: turn off the TV and put your electronics away, take some time to read a book, have a cup of herbal tea, practice some deep breathing or do any relaxing activity that helps you sleep better at night Avoid having alcohol, or any caffeinated drinks for a few hours before bedtime Try and get some sunlight exposure when you wake up in the morning (at least for a few days). This helps your internal body clock adjust to the new time. /wp:list wp:paragraph Shop and save on all cpap machines and accessories at Papsmart.com /wp:paragraph
Learn moreDaylight savings time and your CPAP mask
wp:paragraph Now that February has passed, we can now look forward to the snow melting and spring making its way into our lives. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align":"center","id":3620,"sizeSlug":"large"} /wp:image wp:paragraph As great as this all sounds, early March also brings us the great Daylight Savings time change, where we set out clocks one hour ahead. For the average human being, this can wreak havoc on our sleep schedules. When you regularly use a CPAP mask, this time change can throw your sleep schedule off course even more. The CPAP therapy relies heavily on following a scheduled bed time and throwing that off can cause a rift in your sleep patterns, and it can also make you wake up feeling overtired and groggy in the morning. Coincidentally, the effects of untreated sleep apnea are similar to the effects that daylight savings time changes can create. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some tips to overcome this change and embrace the longer days: /wp:paragraph wp:list Go to bed earlier. Even if it’s only 15 minutes earlier, it will still make a positive difference in your CPAP therapy. And you will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day. Practice good sleep hygiene: avoid watching TV or using any electronics right before bedtime and stick to a routine. If you brush your teeth at the same time every night, keep this up, even if it doesn’t feel like it’s time for bed. Get some sunlight during the day. As bizarre as this may sound, this is something that will actually help your internal clock, which regulates your body’s sleep patterns. If you feel overtired in any way, do NOT drive or attempt to operate any heavy machinery. Statistics show that the rate for car accidents increases after the spring time change. The cause of these accidents? You guessed it: drowsy driving. /wp:list wp:paragraph As irritating as the time change may feel at first, have faith that you WILL adjust to it in no time and in just a week, it will feel like the clocks didn’t change at all. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop now and save up to 50% off our entire inventory! /wp:paragraph
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Seasonal Allergies and CPAP Use
wp:paragraph Allergies: they’re one of spring’s biggest enemies that affect most of us. Between the sneezing, nasal congestion, dry eyes and more, they are nothing more than a nuisance. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Dealing with all of this along with using your CPAP machine regularly may make your allergies feel like even more irritating. This uncomfortable time may have you convinced that it will be okay to forgo the use of your CPAP machine just for a night or two. It won’t make too much of a difference, right? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Think again. Night after night, your CPAP machine is essential for you to be able to breathe normally as you sleep. And the consequences of going without it, even for just one night are really not worth it. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some tips to alleviating your allergies to sleep better at night: /wp:paragraph wp:list Be sure to regularly change the filter in your CPAP machine and keep it clean on a regular basis! Keep all your bedding fresh and clean and keep your windows closed during heavy pollen seasons If you don’t have a humidifier for your CPAP machine already, definitely think about getting one! If you are waking up feeling very dry, this will help with that. Take an antihistamine before bedtime to help with your allergy symptoms (but check with your doctor first!) Practice healthy habits in your daily life: eat a balanced diet, get lots of exercise and quit smoking /wp:list wp:paragraph No one enjoys spring allergies, that’s for sure. But there are ways around it. There is so much to enjoy about the warmer weather so you don’t need to feel stuffy all the time! Be sure to consult your doctor if it gets even more serious. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Shop now and save up to 50% off our entire inventory! /wp:paragraph
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