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Sleep apnea and alcohol
wp:paragraph Many of you may enjoy relaxing with an alcoholic beverage at the end of a long day. Just like many of you may enjoy going to occasions and gatherings where there is an abundance of alcoholic beverages present. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It’s something that’s naturally a part of our lives, but have you ever thought about how this could affect your sleep apnea? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Many of you may have experienced a terrible night’s sleep after drinking too much. Having too much to drink before bedtime can lead to many symptoms such as insomnia, snoring, headaches and nightmares. And let’s not forget the negative “morning after” effects of too much alcohol, combined with a poor night’s sleep, including fatigue, nausea, drowsiness and more. So it is really worth it? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Alcohol and sleep apnea have a very strong link to each other as alcohol can affect your sleep routines in a negative way. Successful sleep apnea treatment and CPAP therapy rely heavily on routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day is crucial, as is getting a consistent amount of sleep every day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It’s one thing to have one or two drinks early in the evening (such as a glass of wine with dinner), but having too much more than that can be harmful to your sleep cycle. And while drinking too much may make you feel more tired come bedtime, it can cause insomnia and more frequent episodes of snoring and breathing problems as you sleep. Alcohol has also been known to cause your breathing to become more slow and shallow and relax your airway too much, which could worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For this reason, sleep apnea patients are best to avoid any alcohol a few hours before bedtime. If you do slip up and are thrown off your sleep routine for one night, it is very important to get right back on track the next day. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph All in all, it is not worth it to throw away one night of valuable CPAP therapy over a few too many drinks. Be sure to plan carefully when out at a party or a gathering and know what your limit is and when to say no. /wp:paragraph
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Sleep Apnea and Seasonal Allergies
The snow is finally melting and spring has arrived! While you may be excited about the buzz of spring, you may find yourself suffering from seasonal allergies and/or flu like symptoms, just like many people around you may experience during big changes in weather and air pressure. For those with sleep apnea, this can affect your sleeping patterns in a big way, especially if you use a CPAP machine at night. Some may just have issues with the excessive dryness in the air that occurs at this time of year and experience some cold symptoms, including headaches or migraines, sinus congestion, and sore throat. Others have ongoing issues with allergies and may have a lot of nasal congestion, especially at night. All of this can affect your sleep cycle, especially when you have sleep apnea. Several studies done over time have found a very strong link between obstructive sleep apnea and hay fever, which is a term for an allergy of pollen or dust in the air. This often causes a blockage in the airway which leads to; yes you guessed it, obstructive sleep apnea. Many people also experience insomnia as a result of their seasonal allergies. As if you have to sleep with your nose completely stuffed up, try using a CPAP machine on top of that. Doesn’t sound like much fun, right? Unfortunately it is very common for people to have some bad nights of sleeping as a result of this and doing nothing will only make it worse. As irritating as this can be, there are ways to resolve your seasonal allergies without having to forgo the use of your CPAP machine for a night (which is NOT recommended as this can interfere with your CPAP therapy). Many over the counter medicines can be quite helpful in relieving the effects of seasonal allergies, including nasal sprays to help clear your airway. Be sure to seek advice from your doctor if the problem persists. As always, be sure to practice good sleep hygiene. Stick to the same bedtime every night, turn off the electronics at least an hour before you go to bed and practice good diet and exercise throughout the daytime. Shop and save on all cpap machines and accessories at Papsmart.com
Learn more about Sleep Apnea and Seasonal AllergiesSleep apnea in children
When you think of people with sleep apnea, it’s easy to stereotype the overweight, middle aged man as the perfect sleep apnea candidate. But have you ever thought of who else this could affect? Sleep apnea in children, while not as common, it is something that occurs more often than you think. Often, it starts with snoring: one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. But the place where many parents become concerned is when a child is visibly struggling to breathe as they are sleeping. If your child is making a choking or gasping sound in their sleep, this is where it becomes problematic. According to the National Sleep Foundation, children with sleep apnea may also come across as very tired and exhausted throughout the daytime. It could also contribute to behavioural problems at school for some children. For many parents who have a child with sleep apnea, there are many questions and apprehensions. How could this have happened? I thought only adults get sleep apnea? Well there are a number of factors that can contribute to sleep apnea in children. This includes their family history, being overweight, having existing health problems, enlarged tonsils or defects in the airway that have the potential to cause a blockage. As overwhelming as it may be for everyone involved, it is important to try and stay positive, and remember that sleep apnea IS treatable. Many children with sleep apnea use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask to help them breathe normally when they sleep at night. Doctors may also recommend some lifestyle changes for children, including exercise and diet changes. It is also common for doctors to remove a child’s tonsils to help alleviate the sleep apnea. Sleep is vital to a growing child’s health, so this is something that should never be ignored. Your doctor will no doubt be your best resource for any concerns you may have. Be sure to seek out help from your pediatrician if you think your child has sleep apnea. Shop Comfortable CPAP Masks Shop and save on all cpap machines and accessories at Papsmart.com
Learn more about Sleep apnea in childrenI have sleep apnea: what do I do next?
So you’ve finally found out what is causing your snoring problems and many bad night’s sleep and your doctor has just diagnosed you with sleep apnea. While there may be some relief as to knowing what has been causing your sleep problems, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed, and you may have questions and apprehensions as to what happens next. First of all: it is important to know that you are not alone. Sleep apnea affects thousands of Canadian men and women each year. It is also important to know that while there is no actual cure for sleep apnea, there are ways to alleviate your symptoms so that you sleep much better at night and you have a better quality of life overall. Sleep is one of the most important factors in living a healthy lifestyle along with eating right and getting exercise. So without it, many people experience a lot of problems with daytime fatigue and drowsiness. The two main types of sleep apnea are: Obstructive sleep apnea: the most common type, where the tissue at the back of your airway relaxes to the point where it can become blocked. Many people snore loudly as a result of this. Central sleep apnea: where your brain does not signal to the muscles that control your airway, often resulting in it becoming blocked. If you have not done so already, be sure to sit down with your doctor or sleep specialist and discuss that the next steps are in treating your condition. This is the perfect time to ask any questions that you may have and the two of you can figure out the best treatment plan for you. Some people have a milder case of sleep apnea than others do, so the way one person deals with it may be vastly different from other people. Your doctor will know best as to what type of sleep apnea you have, and what kind of treatment plan will work best for you. One of the most popular, and recommended treatments is the Continuous Positive Airway (CPAP) machine. This is a mask that you wear at night, connected to a machine that exerts a continuous flow of air, so that your airway stays open as you sleep. This is known to be very successful for providing relief almost immediately, and many CPAP users have testified to having more mental and physical energy during the daytime. Your doctor may also recommend that you make some changes to your lifestyle in order to help alleviate your sleep apnea, including healthy eating and getting regular exercise. So you see, sleep apnea is treatable and you are not alone! Be sure to confide in your doctor as to your next steps towards getting a good night’s sleep. Discover the Smart Nora Snoring Solution
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Is a CPAP machine covered by healthcare?
wp:paragraph What is CPAP? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, often just called CPAP, is a system that uses light pressure to help keep a person's airways open, particularly at night. It is typically used by those people who have breathing issues, including sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph The CPAP machine can include a mask that fits over your mouth and nose to prevent your airways from closing while you sleep. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Costs of a CPAP machine /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph One issue with the machine is that it can be expensive. For Ontario residents however, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has a program called the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) which can offset some of the costs associated with various machines, including CPAP. ADP will pay 75% of their approved price of a machine, and you will need to cover the other 25%. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Other provinces offer their own level of funding. For example, Saskatchewan provides the CPAP systems but users need to buy their own mask, the humidifier and any other accessories needed. In Manitoba, approved CPAP systems, including the unit itself, the mask, and accessories, are provided by the province. Other provinces, such as Alberta, offer funds for CPAP therapy for eligible seniors with specific income thresholds. Other provinces offer a limited amount of funding for CPAP machines. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph At a national level, some Veteran Affairs Canada and Non Insured Health Benefits funding may be available for those who are eligible. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Who can apply to CPAP funding programs? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Any resident provincial with a valid health card in their name who has doctor-diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea and who meets all other eligibility criteria can apply to CPAP funding programs. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph You may be required to attend a sleep clinic to verify our eligibility. Your sleep physician and clinic staff will determine the type of equipment you need. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Can your personal health insurance company cover the remaining CPAP costs? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Many insurance companies will cover the remaining expenses of obtaining a CPAP machine. Contact your insurance agent for more information. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What equipment and supplies does a person need? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph A CPAP system can consist of the some or all of the following items: /wp:paragraph wp:list The actual CPAP device A heated humidifier A mask and related head gear Tubing Carrying case Caps and filters Power cord Instruction manual /wp:list wp:paragraph If you need other parts that are not included as part of the system, you may need to pay for those costs yourself or through your insurance. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What happens when you need to replace your CPAP equipment? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Some provinces, such as Ontario, may contribute funds towards replacing your equipment when it no longer works, cannot be repaired, and has past the warranty date. Note that you still need to meet the necessary eligibility requirements. /wp:paragraph
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The dreaded cold and flu season: survival tips for CPAP users
wp:paragraph Well, it’s that time of the year again. People all around you have been feeling under the weather and you probably have figured out that cold and flu season is in full swing. If you haven’t come down with something already, chances are, either you or someone you know will get something soon enough. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph If you use a CPAP machine, then you know all too well how uncomfortable a cold can be when trying to use the machine at night as you normally would. As tempting as it may sound, it is of no benefit to you if you decide to set the machine aside just for a night or two until you can breathe normally again. If having a cold wasn’t bad enough, you will not have the benefit of being able to sleep soundly though the night if you forgo your CPAP therapy. So then you’ll not only be sick, but you will lose sleep as well, which is crucial for fighting off your cold! It may sound like a challenge, but you can fight off this cold AND not lose any sleep from getting frustrated with your CPAP machine. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are some tips that can help to both alleviate your cold and help you sleep better at night, without having to set the CPAP machine aside for the night. /wp:paragraph wp:list Try using an over the counter saline nasal spray: this will help to add moisture to your sinuses and reduce the swelling to help you breathe a bit easier Add a heated humidifier to your CPAP machine: this works wonders for CPAP users as the heat helps to add moisture to your sinuses. For best results: be sure to position the humidifier lower than the bed, and try to keep the room temperature on the warm side Try sleeping on your side, or prop your head higher so that your nasal passages are elevated Keep your CPAP machine and parts clean: ever wonder why we always talk about the importance of keeping your CPAP machine and parts clean? This is a prime time to ensure that your CPAP is germ free to help you recover faster Try switching to a full face mask as oppose to a nasal one, until your cold is gone Try an auto CPAP machine, as it will adjust the air flow settings to your breathing patterns, which are very different when you are sick. Be sure to seek help from your doctor if your symptoms progress for more than just a few days and you are still having trouble sleeping with the CPAP machine at night /wp:list wp:paragraph /wp:paragraph
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Time change adjustment tips for CPAP users
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. 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) 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: 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. Shop and save on all CPAP machines and accessories at PAPSmart.com
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CPAP usagein the post-secondary student
The American College of Health reports that approximately four percent of college students have sleep apnea. This is vital to how a person functions throughout the daytime. As we all know, sleep apnea causes a person to repeatedly stop and start breathing while they are sleeping, causing someone to be tired and groggy throughout the day. As a result, they don’t pay attention in class, it disrupts their studies (either by developing poor study habits or skipping it altogether) and it can interfere with their social lives. So how does this occur in college students in the first place? As mentioned above, college students arguably have the worst sleeping habits between the late study nights, heavy drinking and the occasional all-nighter. This can mess with the body’s internal clock, which regulates when you sleep, when you wake up and more. This can lead to something called “circadian rhythm disorder,” and this, in turn, can lead to more serious problems, such as sleep apnea. The CPAP machine is the safest, and most effective form of treatment for sleep apnea, weather you are 18 or 58. But admittedly, many students in that “college age” bracket may feel too embarrassed to use their CPAP machine, in fear that their friends will make fun of them. What’s important to remember here is the end result: a better night’s sleep for you, the ability to function normally throughout the day, and a happier, and more productive college experience. This age is about entering adulthood head first, and coming to terms with your CPAP machine is a huge part of that. The awkwardness of high school is now over and if you explain your condition to your friends, they should be accepting of it, and of you. Shop at Papsmart.com - The #1 Online CPAP Store.
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Sleep Apnea and Arthritis
September is Arthritis Awareness month, and there is a lot to be said for its connection to sleep apnea, and of sleep problems in general.A study done in the UK in 2012 states that heavy snorers are twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. It also mentions that a large portion of arthritis patients who have sleep problems, also develop sleep apnea. So how do we put these two together? Let’s start with what we know: according to the arthritis society of Canada, over 4.6 million Canadian adults report having arthritis, and this number will grow to about 7.5 million in 2036. We often think of arthritis only affecting senior citizens, but it can happen to people at any age (cases have been reported as young as the teen years!) It is known as “joint inflammation” and it has no cure. People who have this condition often experience a lot of pain as a result. While medication does help to alleviate the pain in some cases, it can only do so much. This is why sleep problems are so common in arthritis patients. And when you combine the symptoms of arthritis with what we know about sleep apnea, having a decent night’s sleep can be very difficult for arthritis patients. For this reason, getting proper treatment to sleep apnea is crucial. Too many people, weather they have arthritis or not, miss out on this. Sleep apnea is a very serious condition that has too many negative consequences if left untreated. So many people may think that it doesn’t affect them, or they may feel too overwhelmed with their arthritis treatments and appointments to even think about seeing a sleep specialist. Remember this: sleep has a huge impact on how you live your day to day life, and lack of sleep (or a bad night’s sleep) affects your productivity levels, your energy levels and more. If you have arthritis and you are experiencing problems sleeping, simply start by asking your doctor for advice. They may either give you some tips, or refer you to a specialist if it’s something more serious. Shop now and save up to 50% off our entire inventory!
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