Sleep Apnea and the Scales of "JustUs"

So often we realize the importance of a scale. Which scale? The bathroom scale or the food scale? Each of these has importance in our bodies.

Yet, there is another, it’s a made-up name called the Scales of JustUs. No, not the Scales of Justice, the Scales of "JustUs".

"JustUs" are those who understand what it’s like to have sleep apnea and more. In another article, I talked about my sleep apnea while using a CPAP, as well as oxygen.

Sleep apnea is not my only health condition

This article is about the Scales of "JustUs". You see, this talks about using a CPAP, as well as the need to use oxygen and more. Using both the CPAP and the oxygen is "Just For Us." We are the only ones who can really understand what we go through.

So many people are not aware that their snoring might indicate something deeper, a serious problem. They may not realize that their snoring can indicate an obstruction of the airway. This serious condition can lead to a heart attack or more.

I talk in my sleep

Some people with sleep apnea may also talk in their sleep. This is known as somniloquy. My kids loved my sleep talking. I did this for years. I can still hear the chatter from my grown kids. They told stories about earlier times when they were younger. These conversations carried silliness about the discussions they had with me and the funny things I would say in my sleep. The best times according to them, were when I would answer questions.

Actually, it came up again a few weeks ago. Last week, my husband relayed a discussion of my sleep talking to him. I sure wish that I would remember these "far out" discussions. We had fun talking about my mumbly discussion. It’s kind of crazy that we can chuckle and laugh about the silliness of it all. Yet, you should discuss this with your doctor.

I use oxygen at night

There is another side to this Scale of "JustUs". It’s called oxygen. The first thing that I need to say is not everyone who has sleep apnea needs to be on oxygen.

There are guidelines to determine a person's need to be on oxygen. Insurance companies usually follow the Medicare guidelines.¹

If you require oxygen, use it. It will help you maintain your oxygen levels. Keeping your organs oxygenated helps them to stay healthy. Are you on oxygen 24 hours a day or just for sleep? This is important for your doctor to know, as well.

You may also notice that if you are scheduled for surgery, your doctor may require that you wear your CPAP during surgery, or at least to have it with you. You wear it to sleep, as usual. Remember, your health is important, to you and to your doctor. "JustUs" is everything about your health.

Do you have other health conditions in addition to sleep apnea? Do you use oxygen at night? Tell us more in the comments below!