Sleep Update – July 20th

I have been using my CPAP machine for two weeks now.  Every night seems to be a little better than the previous one.  Most nights so far, I have had to take a pill to help get me to sleep.  Nothing prescription strength, just either Diphenhydramine or a generic Unisom.

Last night, I was finally able to get to sleep on my own without the need of a sleep aid.  I slept for a good 7 hours.  I woke up feeling a little groggy, but otherwise in great shape.

I can’t begin to tell you how much the sleep therapy has helped me out so far.  I’m finally able for the first time in at least 10 years sleep in a bed lying down.  That in and of itself helps me out tremendously to getting my life back on track to where I need to be!

As I continue to get more comfortable with using my CPAP machine, I can only imagine that I’ll eventually sleep a full 8 hours soundly.

Getting to Sleep

Last week, I got my new CPAP machine.  This is taking some getting used to!  The only difficult part for me is getting used to a bed that I am not used to sleeping in.  Believe it or not, that is a big factor in how I sleep.

I think it’s going better with each night.  The machine definitely helps me breathe and keeps me asleep.  I can surely say that it is a great aid in getting me a better night’s sleep.

After I get fully adjusted, I am going to move on to the next challenge of my life:  exercising and losing weight!

Sleep Test #2

One week ago from the time of this post, I had my second sleep study at UT Medical.  This test involved wearing the CPAP mask and figuring out what pressure would be ideal for me.

This means that I will be using the CPAP machine for sure to help with my sleep apnea.  I had the help of a prescribed generic tablet of Ambien this time.  The test started around 10:30pm, I fell asleep not long after.  Next thing I know, I wake up to go use the bathroom, and it’s just before 4:00am.  I slept almost all of that time on my back.  The amazing thing about that is that I haven’t slept on my back in years!  I usually fall asleep on my left side.  The problem has been that I eventually end up in a sitting position.  This has been going on for a good many years.

I’m glad I’ve been taking steps to combat this.  Now I’m just awaiting the analysis of this last study and when and where to get my machine.  I’m so looking foward to having a regular, restful night of sleep on a regular basis.