Benefits of Using CPAP Again: I'm Back!!

I've been able to use my continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for about 2 weeks now. It's been great. After going for most of 2022 without using it, I feel like a new person! I noticed these many benefits of using a CPAP machine again for sleep apnea.

Energy increased

I didn't realize how much more energy I was going to have by just using my CPAP every night again. Having extra energy started off kind of slow and gradually increased.

Helps other health issues

I do have a few other health conditions too that, you know, also cause a lack of energy. With a better night's sleep, using my CPAP really helps with my other health issues too.

Falling asleep faster

Along with increased energy, I'm falling asleep faster. At bedtime, I just can't wait to get my mask on. Once I settle in with my CPAP, that's the last I really remember. Then, I'm wide awake and ready to go. I don't even need a cup of coffee. And that's pretty shocking!!

Work longer during the day

Well, as I said, I have other health conditions that keep me from having a regular job. Because of these health conditions, I get worn out pretty easily.

Before using my CPAP, I was only able to do something for like 1/2 an hour and then needed to stop and actually take a nap for an hour. After a nap, I could then try again. Now by using my CPAP machine at night, I can put in pretty much a full day's work. Although I still might slow down a bit every now and then; overall, that's pretty good!

Feeling like my tank is full

I'm going to use my own analogy for this. Hopefully, it's understandable for everyone.

Imagine having your car on a quarter of a tank of gas for an 8-hour trip. Yeah, that's all the fuller you can fill that tank: is a quarter of a tank. Now... think about your car. How far you can go on that quarter tank of gas? Also, how many stops will it take to drive for 8 hours?  And then 1 day, you're able to fill that tank completely full after an adjustment to the gas tank.

For me, that's how it is with using my CPAP machine compared to not using it.

However, I could (if need be) skip a night without using it and still have a full tank. But, I wouldn't want to even try any more than just that 1 night after going without my CPAP for so long.

Improved mood

I haven't yet mentioned the fact that I'm in a better mood. Using my CPAP, I am not nearly on edge all the time. Before, it was like waiting for that last shoe to drop!

Like the song says: "Don't worry, be happy!" Using a CPAP machine (or whatever therapy you use) on a regular basis, believe it or not, really does help take the stress out of just everyday life.

Better sleep

Continuous CPAP use not only helps my mood but I've noticed it also leads to a better night's sleep.

Exercise

I don't know about you, but I've heard this about sleep apnea: getting good exercise daily will help you sleep better. But for me, it is a which came first scenario. Why? Because I can't exercise if I haven't had a good, restful sleep. Perhaps using my CPAP once again on a regular basis will help improve my ability to exercise as I gain more sleep.

Without my CPAP and sleep, I feel way too rundown to exercise. And, my muscles hurt. Along with feeling rundown, I go back to that quarter tank of gas. But again, I have other health issues that just automatically cause the rundown muscles to hurt. So, I really need my CPAP to get a good, restful night's sleep.

After waiting for my replacement for so long, I noticed many helpful benefits of using CPAP machine again...I'm back!

What benefits do you notice using your CPAP machine? Please share your story and comment below.