We spend about a third of our lives sleeping—or trying to sleep. I’m more often in the “trying” group.
For years, sleep came in waves. Sometimes I could fall asleep and stay asleep, but those nights were rare. Most nights I do fall asleep eventually, but it can take hours. Then, during the few hours I manage to sleep, I’m often jolted awake by a tight feeling in my throat. I wake gasping for air, struggling to breathe.
This happens two or three times a night, almost every night. I go through the next day tired and cranky, and my work has suffered so much my boss noticed. Desperate to feel rested again, I went to our family doctor. I didn’t know much about sleep apnea before, but after a few tests the doctor confirmed that’s what I had.
This is my journey to better sleep and a better life. I hope sharing what worked for me helps others in the same spot. I’ll mostly talk about how I manage my condition and the results I’ve seen.
Sleep Apnea: Do You Have It?
One of the hardest parts of sleep apnea is spotting the signs—because it happens while you’re asleep. The next morning many people assume their poor sleep is just insomnia.
But sleep apnea and insomnia are different. Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. That disrupts the quality of your rest and can harm your health. Insomnia can be caused by sleep apnea, but they’re not the same thing.
Doctors look for several common signs when diagnosing sleep apnea. These include:
– Loud snoring
– Pauses in breathing
– Gasping for air
– Excessive daytime sleepiness
– Trouble concentrating
– Irritability
– Dry mouth in the morning
– Headaches
– Difficulty falling or staying asleep
If you or your partner notice several of these, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Sleep apnea is fairly common—about 3% to 7% of men and 2% to 5% of women—so don’t assume you’re exempt.
Taking the Leap with a CPAP Machine
When I was diagnosed, I felt relieved to know what was wrong but nervous about the next step. Using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine every night felt like a big lifestyle change.
After a talk with my doctor and a few hours reading the manual and experimenting, I learned how to use it. There are different types of CPAP machines (for example, see https://cpap.com.au/), so it’s important to pick the right one with your doctor’s help. Once I started using it, the difference was immediate and dramatic.
How a CPAP Machine Improved My Life
Using a CPAP regularly has been like a breath of fresh air. It’s improved many parts of my life:
– Better sleep: I finally sleep through the night more often, and I fall asleep faster.
– Lowered health risks: Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. With a family history of heart problems, reducing that risk matters to me.
– Increased productivity: With better rest and more energy, I tackle work with a clearer mind.
– Fewer complaints from my husband: My loud snoring used to bother him—now it’s much less of an issue.
– Improved mood: The extra energy, less daytime tiredness, and knowing my sleep is under control have made me happier and more in control.
Final Thoughts
Many of you will recognize parts of this story—snoring, restless nights, and daytime tiredness. Sleep apnea can be rough, but with the right help and a CPAP machine, you can feel a lot better. If you’re unsure about getting a CPAP, take it from someone who lived with sleep apnea: it’s definitely worth trying.
Author’s Bio:
Chelsea Rogers is an aspiring journalist and marketing student in Melbourne, Australia. She’s building her journalism portfolio with a focus on social justice reporting. She loves music and often performs locally with her band.