Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Living with a C-PAP User.

Some time ago I post a article about C-Paps (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines. These machine are used to help with sleeping. One cause of early death is the lack of the body being able to rest. Without proper rest, ones body can not repair and do the maintenance needed to keep a healthy body. The Lack of Sleep can cause one to fall asleep during the wakened hours. A person would not be able to control it, for our bodies need that down time. Imagine being behind a wheel of the car and falling asleep, or at a important meeting and nodding off. This is happening more and more in today's society.

Some years back, about 15, My dad was having trouble staying awake during the work day. finding himself nodding off at a stoplight and fighting to stay awake while working and sitting. After going to the doctors he found out he had Sleep Apnea. A condition that was robbing him of night time sleep. Snoring, tossing and stopping of breath intake, causing the body not to be able to go into the deep sleep. finding himself waking up grasping for air or needing to go to the bathroom. Which is a mechanism the body uses to release the pressure built up in the blood stream caused by lack of oxygen. This is diagnosed as sleep apnea. Dad was given a C-pap machine that he strapped to his head and it forced air into his airway. Keeping his airway opened to get the air needed and to get to that deep sleep. Back then the machine where loud and cause problem for the partners sleeping routine. I remember my Mother saying it is hard to get use to the noise. However she did and was able the sleep through the night. Now if you are a light sleeper I think it would be harder.

About two weeks ago My husband was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. He was fitted with a C-pap machine . I thought Oh boy this is going to be rough for me. The newer machine are much quieter and are barely heard. Since he has been using it I have noticed that he is awake more, not falling asleep when talked to and has a energy I haven't seen in a long time. He did have to have some adjustment to the machine but, now seems to be doing well.

I wonder how many folks use this C-Pap machines. I have a few friends using them and the sleep clinics are backed up waiting to be diagnosed. Do you know anyone using one? Or is this the first time reading about this machine?
If it prolong life and give the body the time to do its functions, I think it is worth it.

1 comment:

  1. Hi, I use a CPAP and have used one for about 7 years. I used to fall asleep at the drop of a hat. Now I'm getting a good nights sleep. My wife is currently awaiting her sleep study test. Lack of proper sleep can ruin your health.

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