How Sleep Apnea Prevents Americans From Sleeping Properly

 

The United States is struggling with a sleep epidemic. More and more Americans are struggling to get the recommended seven to nine hours of rest, turning to everything from over-the-counter medication to ongoing therapy in order to cure what ails them every time they lay their head down to rest. If you’ve found yourself attempting every method under the sun in order to buy a one-way ticket to dreamland, consider you may just be struggling with insomnia, sleep apnea or anxiety.

How Common Is Sleep Apnea?

Think you’re alone in your struggles? Sleep apnea is actually quite common and something that sees many Americans scrounging for options. Studies have revealed sleep apnea is experienced by at least 18 million Americans, with 2% to 4% of Americans going their whole lives undiagnosed. Sleep apnea is generally more common in men than it is in women and a single sleep apnea sufferer can experience up to 60 apneas per hour on a nightly basis. Nasal pillows and CPAP masks are just a few of the resources you can use to reduce the onset of sleep apnea and experience more fulfilling rest.

How Common Is Anxiety Disorder?

Mental wellness is essential to living a fulfilling and healthy life. Anxiety disorder is one of the most common forms of mental illness in the United States, affection tens of millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds on a daily basis. Anxiety disorder is characterized by, but not limited to, racing thoughts, heart palpitations, nausea, sweating palms, shaking, irrational fear, difficulties concentrating and difficulties sleeping.

What If I Have Asthma Or A Heart Condition?

Additional health concerns can be exacerbated by the presence of sleep apnea and insomnia in your life. A study saw asthma patients face an almost 40% greater risk for developing sleep apnea than those without asthma and severe cases can make sleep almost feel impossible. If you have a hereditary disposition to stroke or heart attack, a lack of sleep can increase your risk for developing heart disease — untreated sleep apnea sufferers are three times as likely than those who regularly sleep well.

What Kind Of CPAP Machines Can I Use?

There are multiple forms of CPAP technology out there for you to take advantage of. Short for ‘continuous positive airway pressure’, the cost of a CPAP machine is nothing compared to the endless nights of rest you’ll finally be achieving. Affordable manual CPAP machines can take on the form of nasal pillows, ideal for those that travel a lot, or a bipap mask for home usage.

How Do I Use My CPAP Machines?

The first step you should take is to visit a sleep professional and see if you are struggling with sleep apnea or insomnia. Upon receiving instructions for your CPAP machines, be they nasal pillows or masks, it’s important you closely follow instructions to see effective results. Patients are often recommended they use a CPAP at least 70% of the time over a 30-day period, with four hours per night often sufficient for most. Studies, however, show half of all people prescribed with a CPAP stop using them after one to three weeks. Even if you’re feeling better, using it continuously will yield much more favorable results over the long-term. Whether it’s severe sleep apnea or stress, the best CPAP machine can turn the tide and get you sleeping before you know it.