If I Could Talk to My 18-Year-Old Self

It’s been almost 25 years since I started using a CPAP to treat my sleep apnea. I was originally diagnosed with sleep apnea after I turned 18. This was right before I headed off to college. Now, as a middle-aged man, I can understand why my 18-year-old self didn’t want to deal with this diagnosis. Teenagers are not supposed to be thinking about sleep apnea or any other health issues for that matter. Back then, I didn’t want to start a new experience as a college student feeling different. My 18-year-old self wanted to enjoy those carefree years without any added complications.

Ignoring my diagnosis

Looking back now, what I didn’t fully grasp was how essential it is to prioritize your health. My focus at the time was about how my CPAP would make me feel different. In retrospect, my focus should have been about how it could improve my health. The feelings of being different would have been a small price to pay for better sleep. This is a point that I hope will resonate with younger people who have sleep apnea.

You see, as the years went by, that exhaustion I felt back then never really went away. Instead, it persisted and even worsened with time. I had to fight to stay awake during the day, and it affected my ability to fully enjoy life. Remembering those moments when I struggled to keep my eyes open during classes or social gatherings, those were the signs that my body needed help.

Making changes

What was hard to imagine back then was how CPAP therapy would change my life for the better. It got to the point where the fatigue became unbearable. When you are constantly battling exhaustion you start missing out on things that are important to you. This is when I came to the realization that it was time to use my CPAP.

When I first started using CPAP it was not easy for me. A few years earlier, my younger 18-year-old self would have given up. However, now that I was a little older and less influenced by what others thought, I persevered. After a few weeks of pushing through the awkwardness of using CPAP, it became much easier. I couldn’t believe the difference I was feeling when I would wake up. If my 18-year-old self only knew the difference, I would hope that I would have put my health first.

My advice to younger people

Almost 25 years later, I have become a strong advocate for CPAP. As an 18-year-old who didn’t want to use it, I’d never thought that I would be writing about my experiences someday.

The motivation of sharing my story is the young teenager. If you are newly diagnosed, please don’t worry about what others think. Always put your health first.

Don’t let fear or the desire to fit in hold you back from embracing CPAP therapy. It may seem daunting now, but I promise you, it’s a decision you won’t regret. Your health and well-being are worth it. Using CPAP will be the key to unlocking a life filled with energy and joy.