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Adult Woman lying in bed sleeping with her dog, while wearing a nose pillow CPAP

Looking Back at Life Before Diagnosis and Treatment

Sally Farrier's avatar image

By Sally Farrier

2 min read

I don't know when sleep apnea began for me.

I do know that before my diagnosis and treatment, I really disliked going to bed because I knew I would just lie there and toss and turn all night long. And if I did sleep, it wouldn't be for very long. I'd wake up and then toss and turn, trying to get back to sleep again. That went on at bedtime for as long as I can remember!

The effects of a poor night's sleep

So, the lack of sleep as a kid and an adult made it very difficult to wake up in the morning, let alone even getting the motivation or the desire to get anything done. All the coffee in the world didn't help!

Some of the effects I felt as a child and as an adult included the following:

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  • My schoolwork / employment suffered.
  • My attention span wasn't as good.
  • My comprehension was off.
  • Every task seemed like a chore, even if I enjoy enjoyed it.
  • I just wanted rest, although I didn't know what that was or how to achieve it.
  • Doing normal activities with friends and peers was out of the question. I was too tired most of the time.

What changed since my sleep apnea diagnosis and decision to use CPAP?

Over the last few years after being diagnosed, I hadn't really noticed a lot of difference. But I was also not necessarily using my CPAP machine as regularly as I should have. Part of the reason I did not use it was because it just felt weird to have it on, along with feeling untouchable for cuddling with my husband with the full-face mask and all that hose. 

I almost dreaded going to bed at night even though I knew I was going to get a more restful sleep. So it did take a while to get comfortable using the CPAP on a regular nightly basis.

The other thing that has changed is that I no longer have a full-face mask. I now use the nose pillows, which seem to work better for me. Therefore, I feel that finding the right treatment for each individual is crucial for getting the best results for sleep apnea.

What I think about my CPAP machine now

While the hosing is still there, my face isn't completely covered up. I literally cannot wait to go to bed at the end of the day and use my CPAP machine! It has become like pampering for me on a nightly basis. Wearing it at least 7.5 hours a night has made an amazing difference!

Some of the effects I know feel because of treating my sleep apnea include the following:

My attention span is longer.My comprehension is better.I look forward to getting up in the morning to see what the new day brings.I look for new activities to do by myself or with friends.I can plan ahead for activities in advance.I have an improved energy level for my other health problems.I'm just all around happier with life in general.What has your experience been with your treatment for sleep apnea? Tell us in the comments below!
This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The SleepApnea.Sleep-Disorders.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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