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Summertime Sleeping Tips
wp:paragraph Are these long and hot summer days causing you to stay awake at night? /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Getting a good night’s sleep in the summer can be a bit trickier than you think. The days are much longer and the sun sets later. The hottest months of the year may also bring a change in your routine and schedules and adding a hot and stuffy bedroom into the mix does not help. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While it may seem impossible, there is actually a lot you can do in order to sleep better in the warm weather. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Here are seven tips for sleeping better in the summer heat /wp:paragraph wp:list {"ordered":true,"type":"1"} Keep your bedding light and breathable. Avoid any heavy materials such as flannel, this can make you sweat at night and cause sleeping to be very uncomfortable. You may also want to put away your warm winter comforter and switch to something lighter. Be mindful of your sleeping attire as well. Choose pyjamas with lighter and more breathable materials, such as cotton, that does not overheat you. Keep hydrated throughout the daytime, but don’t drink too much too close to bedtime. Get plenty of sunlight in the morning and keep the lights dim at night, this will help your circadian rhythm that sets your internal clock. Keep your bedtime consistent each night. Although you may find your schedule has changed a bit with the summer, especially with the easing of pandemic restrictions, going to bed too late can mess up your sleep cycle. Keep your bedroom on the cool side to make it more comfortable for sleeping, but not so cold that you’re shivering. If necessary, use a fan to circulate air around the room. Try taking a shower before you go to sleep, especially if you were active outside during the day. Sweat, sunscreen and bug spray that may be lingering can cause skin irritation if it is not rinsed off properly. Getting clean can also make you feel more comfortable when you go to sleep. /wp:list
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Why CPAP Users Need a Support Team
wp:paragraph Starting a new journey with a CPAP machine can be challenging and terrifying. While you may feel excited to finally get your sleep apnea under control, you may not know much about the device, and learning to use it properly may take some time. You may also feel overwhelmed at the fact that you have to use this machine in the first place, and get used to sleeping with it each night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph One of the best things you can do for yourself is to establish a support team. Having people who support you and are there to help you is the key to success when you are on your CPAP journey. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your CPAP support team may consist of the following people; /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Friends and Family /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph While your loved ones may not be going through the same thing you are, don’t rule them out from your support team. These people know you the best and can lend a listening ear and provide words of encouragement. Also, don’t rule out your spouse, they are the ones sleeping next to you each night, and having them on your side can be crucial to successful CPAP therapy. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Your trusted medical professionals /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Keeping a good relationship and open communication with your doctor and/or your medical team is important. They make important decisions with your medical care, so it is important that you are involved and you are able to speak up when there is an issue. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Other CPAP patients /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Finding other CPAP users to connect with can be very helpful and can be a great outlet to ask any questions. They can also empathize with some of the more difficult and challenging parts of using a CPAP machine. There are many support groups out there for CPAP users, some that meet virtually and others that meet in person, your doctor may be able to recommend something that is local. There are also many online forums out there for CPAP users, and this can be a great place to go if you are not comfortable with face-to-face interaction. /wp:paragraph
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