a woman trying to sleep while her husband is snoring

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder, but unfortunately, many people suffer from the potentially fatal condition, without being diagnosed.

Today in this Wellness Wednesday feature, we will take a look at this condition, learn how to recognize the symptoms and get the help that is needed.

I was diagnosed with the condition in 2015, after repeated doctors’ visits and numerous tests, trying to discover why I constantly felt tired, irritable and moody after sleeping all night. The conditioned was worsened after the stress brought on by my father’s death in February of that year. I felt like my life was spiraling out of control. A conversation with a friend led to an appointment with a sleep therapist in September. I underwent a home sleep test, the result of which revealed that I had moderate obstructive sleep apnea, which caused pauses in my breathing between 10 and 30 seconds for every 3 minutes of sleep. So, if I slept for 7 hours, my breathing stopped 140 times. Scary!! The result gave me an instant headache.

Since then, I have had my journey with using a sleep machine nightly (or most nights) in order to get proper rest, so that I can lead a productive life That is certainly not the ideal way to sleep, but I thank God for the temporary solution and continue to pray for complete and permanent healing.

Below is an article which gives a more fulsome description of the condition. If you or your loved ones are experiencing any of the symptoms, please contact a sleep specialist in order for a sleep test to be done. It could save your life or the life of your friend or loved one.

Happy reading.

Let’s start a conversation on the topic. Join me in the comments section.

Ciao.

Sleep apnea – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic


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Comments

4 responses to “Sleep Apnea”

  1. maximumacd911de81 Avatar
    maximumacd911de81

    (CPAP) Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. So if you have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea,you might benefit from using a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask while you sleep. Although (CPAP) is the most common and reliable method of treating sleep apnea,some people find it cumbersome or uncomfortable. Most people learn to adjust the tension of the straps on the mask to obtain a comfortable and secure fit before sleeping.

    1. Lona Avatar

      I used a CPAP but now I am using a VPAP (Variable Positive Air Pressure) because I developed central sleep apnea from use of the CPAP. I find it cumbersome, but I try to tolerate it because I sleep better when I use it. I try not to use it every single night but on the other hand, I don’t want to go back to feeling miserable and depressed every day. I need a miracle, but God is not short on miracles so I will keep praying and believing.

  2. claudene campbell Avatar

    Wow. Thanks for sharing Lona. I appreciate this. Blessings.

    1. Lona Avatar

      You’re most welcome Charlene. This is a serious issue with which many persons are grappling. Please spread the word so that persons can get the help they need.