How CPAP Can Change Your Nights (and days)
Getting a Sleep Apnea diagnosis can bring up a range of feelings. The first step is to embrace the “new-ness” that comes with starting CPAP.
How CPAP Can Change Your Nights (and days)
Getting a Sleep Apnea diagnosis can bring up a range of feelings. For many, having a diagnosis brings relief. It is the first critical step to directly treat the root of your poor sleep. But starting a new treatment can also feel daunting and can make the future feel uncertain.
We’ve been there. We’ve helped many people learn to use and love their CPAP. The first step is to embrace the “new-ness” that comes with starting CPAP.
Here are the three new things to prepare for as you start CPAP:
The New Bedtime Routine – It’s common to worry that adding aCPAP to your nightly routine will drastically change going to bed.
Fortunately, the reality of adding a CPAP machine is simple. Here is an example of a bedtime routine with CPAP that will maximize your restful sleep:
o Set a Bedtime Time. Get into the habit of going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day. This helps reinforce the rhythm of sleep and wake for your body. Don’t cheat on the weekend.
o Do your Bedtime Prep (with CPAP included). You have the things you do right before you get into bed: brush teeth, wash face, skin care, etc. Add to the list getting your CPAP ready for sleep. Is it assembled from the last time you cleaned it? Does it have water for its humidity system? This helps avoid any last minute machine needs after you slide into bed.
o Avoid Blue Light Screens. Cut off use of TV, cell phone and laptop screens at least two hours before your bedtime. Their light can throw off your natural sleeping pattern.
o No Stimulants or Large Meals. Caffeine or alcohol can make it harder to fall asleep. A big dinner right before bed can also give you a lot of energy right when you want to go to sleep. Try to move these things earlier in the day.
The New Feeling – A few weeks into using your CPAP, you may be wondering how it’s affecting your life. This is a great time to do a check in with yourself to see what your “new normal” feels like. Ask yourself:
· Am I waking up more easily in the morning?
· Am I less sleepy throughout the day?
· Do I need less caffeine?
· Do I sleep through the night more often?
· Is my partner elbowing me in the night to tell me I’m snoring?
The New Future - Starting CPAP is not just beneficial for how you feel in the short term. There are long term benefits that you won’t necessarily feel right away. With an unobstructed airway, your body will get more oxygen, meaning your heart can get more rest while you rest. This can also help improve your overall cardiovascular health as well as symptoms of hypertension, high blood pressure, or mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Adding a CPAP to your life will cause changes. Yes there will be some changes to your nights, but the changes to your days and years ahead are much greater. GEM will support you throughout your sleep treatment journey. We’re here to help find solutions to hurdles and celebrate the wins. Because in the end, it can lead to a happier, healthier life. For more helpful information visit mygemsleep.com or log into your GEM account here.
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep study must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.
How CPAP Can Change Your Nights (and days)
Getting a Sleep Apnea diagnosis can bring up a range of feelings. For many, having a diagnosis brings relief. It is the first critical step to directly treat the root of your poor sleep. But starting a new treatment can also feel daunting and can make the future feel uncertain.
We’ve been there. We’ve helped many people learn to use and love their CPAP. The first step is to embrace the “new-ness” that comes with starting CPAP.
Here are the three new things to prepare for as you start CPAP:
The New Bedtime Routine – It’s common to worry that adding aCPAP to your nightly routine will drastically change going to bed.
Fortunately, the reality of adding a CPAP machine is simple. Here is an example of a bedtime routine with CPAP that will maximize your restful sleep:
o Set a Bedtime Time. Get into the habit of going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day. This helps reinforce the rhythm of sleep and wake for your body. Don’t cheat on the weekend.
o Do your Bedtime Prep (with CPAP included). You have the things you do right before you get into bed: brush teeth, wash face, skin care, etc. Add to the list getting your CPAP ready for sleep. Is it assembled from the last time you cleaned it? Does it have water for its humidity system? This helps avoid any last minute machine needs after you slide into bed.
o Avoid Blue Light Screens. Cut off use of TV, cell phone and laptop screens at least two hours before your bedtime. Their light can throw off your natural sleeping pattern.
o No Stimulants or Large Meals. Caffeine or alcohol can make it harder to fall asleep. A big dinner right before bed can also give you a lot of energy right when you want to go to sleep. Try to move these things earlier in the day.
The New Feeling – A few weeks into using your CPAP, you may be wondering how it’s affecting your life. This is a great time to do a check in with yourself to see what your “new normal” feels like. Ask yourself:
· Am I waking up more easily in the morning?
· Am I less sleepy throughout the day?
· Do I need less caffeine?
· Do I sleep through the night more often?
· Is my partner elbowing me in the night to tell me I’m snoring?
The New Future - Starting CPAP is not just beneficial for how you feel in the short term. There are long term benefits that you won’t necessarily feel right away. With an unobstructed airway, your body will get more oxygen, meaning your heart can get more rest while you rest. This can also help improve your overall cardiovascular health as well as symptoms of hypertension, high blood pressure, or mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Adding a CPAP to your life will cause changes. Yes there will be some changes to your nights, but the changes to your days and years ahead are much greater. GEM will support you throughout your sleep treatment journey. We’re here to help find solutions to hurdles and celebrate the wins. Because in the end, it can lead to a happier, healthier life. For more helpful information visit mygemsleep.com or log into your GEM account here.
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep study must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.