Fitness Confessions - Sleep Apnea

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

19 Apr 2008 08:51 AM

So after my sleep studies, I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. Aimee's provided a lot of great information over in the Health blog about sleep apnea, so I won't go into too much detail here about what it is.

Adjusting to Sleep Apnea

Being told you have sleep apnea is not something anyone wants to hear. The treatment course requires the use of a CPAP (Continuous Pulsing Airway Pressure) mask. The CPAP, when worn over the nose (in my case I have a nasal mask) will push air down to keep the tissues in my throat separate. This will create fewer incidents of obstructive apnea and allow me to actually sleep.

As skeptical as I was of the entire process, I have to admit that the sleep I get with the mask is profoundly improved over the sleep I get without it. First and foremost, I don't wake up with a headache nor a feeling of grogginess. Secondly, my energy levels remain higher throughout the day and I don't feel the need to nap.

But the biggest thing for me -- in all honesty -- is how much more like myself I feel. I am writing, I am developing ideas, I am multi-tasking and I am -- wait for it -- exercising again. I don't feel like I am dragging face down no matter what I do.

Get A Check Up

If you feel like something is wrong or that you aren't feeling the way you should -- get a check up, talk to your doctor and be proactive. You may be feeling like you aren't yourself because you aren't -- and something is wrong. My only wish right now is that I did this years ago instead of excusing the tired for being related to just being a mom -- I can't imagine how much better I'd feel if I'd had this kind of energy years ago.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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