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Surviving CPAP and the Summer Heat
wp:paragraph Warm weather, long days, and beautiful blue skies – the signs that summer is here. While many people are thrilled about the arrival of the season, when you have sleep apnea, summer can lead to long, sleepless nights. However, you can beat that summer heat even when you use a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea. Here’s your quick survival guide: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Darkness reigns: When the days are long, you may think it’s not yet time to go to sleep. By making your bedroom as dark as you can, you can increase the desire to sleep and keep cool your room too. Shower power: Try taking a shower before going to bed. Not only will you feel more comfortable for sleeping, you will also remove any pollen that can keep you up at night. Cool room: If you don’t have an air conditioner, you can still cool your room by placing shallow bowls or pans of cool water in front of a fan. This creates a refreshing cool mist. Less humidity: Humidity can really put a damper on a good night’s sleep. If you live in a locale that sees higher humidity levels, consider getting a dehumidifier. It does double duty – removes the humidity in the room and minimizes the buildup of mold spores. Clean time: Heat and humidity can lead to mold growth in the summer – even in your CPAP machine. Make sure you clean your machine on a regular basis and look for signs of growth. Same and steady: Do your best to keep to the same sleep schedule, both during the week and on weekends. Sunscreen: No one likes a sunburn, but just think how uncomfortable wearing a CPAP mask is while your face is tender! Use sunscreen, wear a wide brimmed hat, and stay in the shade to avoid this issue. Pollen-ation: Allergies and sleep apnea are not great pals. Check local pollen reports and avoid going out on those days where the counts are higher. Schedule an appointment: If you still need help getting a good night’s sleep, schedule a doctor's appointment. They can prescribe allergy medication or suggest other ways that you can regain a healthy sleep. /wp:list wp:paragraph Having sleep apnea can wreak havoc with your sleep. Using a CPAP machine and following the tips above can help ensure that your slumber remains steady and solid no matter the conditions outside. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph PapSmart Summer Sale Is On - SHOP NOW! /wp:paragraph
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Tip On Getting A Good Night's Sleep
wp:paragraph With Father’s Day just behind us, it’s a time to think about dad’s sleep health. When you’re a dad of one or more active children, having healthy sleep habits can have a huge effect on your overall quality of life. But kids can certainly stymie your best intentions. If you want to get the best chance of getting a good night’s sleep and feeling as rested as you can, here are some tips you should try: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Even though the weekend may seem like a time to relax your nightly routine, try to go to sleep at the same every night. This helps your body regulate its schedule. Create a relaxing nightly routine. This lets your body and mind understand that it is time to slow down, and prepare itself for sleep. Make sure your bed and pillow are comfortable. If you feel lumps or have an achy back when you wake up, you may want to get a new mattress. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, take a look at your room. Is it dark enough for you? Do you have distractions that you can avoid? Designate your bedroom as a place for sleeping and only sleeping. Get a decent amount of daily exercise. This will help you get tired and be able to get to sleep instead of feeling restless and fidgety. A healthier lifestyle will also help you get better sleep. That means having a better diet, reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake, and avoiding eating foods late at night that can keep you up. If you go to bed but sleep seems elusive, leave your bedroom and do a quiet and stress-free activity until you do feel sleepy. /wp:list wp:paragraph If you have done all of these tips but still have problems sleeping, staying asleep, or feeling rested, you may want to schedule a visit with your doctor. They can recommend other strategies that promote sleep, or even find physical issues that are affecting your sleep. Your kids will appreciate a well-rested dad, and so will you! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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How to Get the Best Results out of Your CPAP Machine
wp:paragraph When you have trouble sleeping every night and feel exhausted even after just waking up, a visit to your doctor should be in order. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your treatment may include using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph By wearing a small mask over your face and nose and with straps to secure it in place, your CPAP machine sends a flow of air into your airways. This gentle and continuous stream of air keeps your airways open to ensure that you can get a restful sleep without interruptions due to sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Getting a good night’s sleep is one thing. To make sure that every night’s sleep could be a great one, here are some ways to get the best results from your CPAP machine: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Use your machine every time you sleep. At night, when you nap, or even when you travel, using your machine every time you snooze encourages not just healthy sleep, but increases your overall health too. Find your comfort zone: Understandably, sleeping while wearing a mask may not be that comfortable at first. But keep at it! It may not take as long as you think to get used to wearing the mask. If certain aspects to your CPAP machine are truly bothersome, ask a professional to help you adjust its fit, settings, or components. Clean machine: Like any machine, for your CPAP to run optimally, it needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Hand wash parts, use distilled water when cleaning, and remove dust buildup. Daily life: To help your CPAP machine work well, it helps if you tweak aspects of your daily life. Getting more exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and reducing both caffeine and alcohol intake will all complement your treatment and promote a healthy lifestyle. Dry time: Using a CPAP machine can have a few side effects, including a dry mouth and throat while you sleep. You can use special add-ons, such as a humidifier, specially designed for your CPAP machine to minimize or eliminate issues that can affect your sleep. /wp:list wp:paragraph A good night’s sleep is a beautiful thing. Making sure that you get the right amount of continuous positive airway pressure can make this dream into a reality. And by applying the tips above, you can help ensure that golden slumbers are never far away. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
Learn moreSnoring 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
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When Snoring Gets Serious.
wp:paragraph It doesn’t take long for regular old snoring to become quite annoying, particularly for someone who has to listen to it while trying to sleep. However, it is possible that that annoying snoring is actually indicative of a more serious health issue, which can be life-threatening. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph One such condition is sleep apnea. It can cause someone to experience pauses in their sleep repeatedly through the night. You could wake up, gasping for air. This can occur when the weight of your neck and upper chest restricts the flow of air through your airways. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There are some basic and obvious signs that you may have sleep apnea. Snoring, feeling fatigued even after waking up, and constant irritability are some common symptoms. But there are other, more serious, symptoms that you should not ignore. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For example, did you know that untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure? When your breathing stops throughout the night, the walls of your blood vessels can get damaged. This reduces the ability for your body to regulate your blood pressure. Over time, this can cause a ripple effect for other, more severe issues, such as extreme sleep deprivation, obesity, stroke, and heart disease. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph These are some serious health risks of sleep apnea that you cannot ignore. But there is treatment you can get to minimize these serious health consequences. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph In addition to losing weight, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, you can also get a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Using a mask that fits over your face and a tube, the machine sends a gentle pressure of air to keep your airways open while you sleep. You will get more oxygen to your body, get a better sleep, and slow down any serious side effects of many poor nights’ sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you believe you could have a sleep disorder, make an appointment with your doctor right away. Take care of yourself, both while awake and asleep. It’s worth it. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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Five Steps To Selecting the Right CPAP
wp:paragraph After you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor probably prescribed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to help you sleep at night. This machine sends a gentle stream of air through your airways to keep them open while you sleep. But there isn’t just one single type of CPAP machine. You need to choose masks, tubes, the actual machine, as well as any upgrades you can optionally add. So how do you find the one that’s perfect for you? Below are five steps to help you select the right one: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} Get a prescription: The first thing you need to do is get a prescription. This means being tested and diagnosed with sleep apnea by a medical professional. This typically involves a medical exam and most likely a sleep test. Your prescription will indicate the type of sleep device – such as a CPAP – that you need, as well as the proper pressure level for you. Shop around: While you may be inclined to get your CPAP from the clinic where you had your sleep test, your best bet is to shop around. But before you start, ask your insurance company about reimbursement. Then, talk to different suppliers about their prices, features, and options. If searching online, look for a company based in Canada and make sure they ask for your prescription. Find the right mask: After you have your prescription and have purchased your machine with the correct pressure, you need to find a mask that fits both properly and comfortably. You may need to try different brands and styles until you find the one you like. You could want several masks so that you can rotate among them to minimize pressure and irritation. The little extras: Some users are content with a basic CPAP while others prefer to have some extras. These can include a humidifier to alleviate dryness, battery backup, a device to reduce condensation in the tubes, or hose extensions for greater mobility. Ask your insurance company in case you can be reimbursed, but if not, ask vendors if they have deals or promotions. It could make your CPAP experience that much better. PAP therapy types: Even with the best CPAP, you just may not be able to find it comfortable enough to use. Instead, you may need to look into other machines such as APAP or BiPap to get the help you need. /wp:list wp:paragraph Looking For A New CPAP Machine & Mask? View Our All-In-One CPAP Package On Sale Today! /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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Sleepy All The Time? Find Out What Sleep Apnea Feels Like
wp:paragraph One of the most common sleep disorders today is sleep apnea. This condition causes people to endure many breaks or pauses in their breathing while sleeping. Because it happens while asleep, many sufferers of sleep apnea may simply think that they are just the victims of poor sleeps, and nothing more. The issue is that, if left untreated, you can be subject to more severe health consequences, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and more. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph So how do you know if you have sleep apnea rather than just a bad sleep? What does it feel like to have sleep apnea? Maybe these following points describe you: /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true} You are always sleepy: You often go to bed early and get at least 7 hours of sleep. So why are you still tired all the time? While you think your sleep is uninterrupted, sleep apnea causes you to wake up many times at night, leaving you chronically fatigued, never refreshed. You could have trouble focusing on daily tasks, and you maybe even doze off at unfortunate times. You often wake up with a headache: A very common symptom of sleep apnea is having many headaches, especially after just waking up. Sleep apnea reduces the amount of oxygen to your blood vessels that lead to your brain, causing vascular headaches, even after a supposed good sleep. Cranky, irritable, or depressed: Living with sleep apnea will likely cause you to become very cranky, irritable, and over time, clinically depressed. Losing sleep each night, every night reduces the quality of your sleep, which, in turn, affects your mood. Are you short-tempered, anxious, or have mood swings? It could sleep apnea. /wp:list wp:paragraph If you have experienced the above symptoms consistently, you could have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. To get a better night’s sleep, ask your doctor about your symptoms to see what treatment options are right for you. Get back to your old self again! /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Download the FREE Beginners Guide to Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. /wp:paragraph
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