So, I finally did what I was told recently and had a special sleep study done. My wife told me she thought I had it for a while, but life has been getting worse, and I am always tired.
My Sleep Study Experience
I originally imagined myself having to go and sleep in a hospital or something, with tubes stuck to me and wires and all uncomfortable. Nothing is further from the truth these days!
I went to a chemist and paid $120 for an overnight sleep study. They gave me a machine, told me how to use it, and that I had to return it the next day.
That night, I set up a sticker (it sticks to your forehead) with a little Bluetooth device, connected it to my phone, downloaded an app from the Apple App Store, and connected it.
While I was sleeping, it was collecting all sorts of data about my sleeping patterns, brainwaves, and breathing. I woke up the next morning, I felt the same as always and I took the machine back to them.
The chemist then told me I should wait a couple of days, and they would have the results for me. On return, they gave me a printout of my results and told me that I have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which, on average, people have 5 sleep disturbances, and I had an average of 39. They also told me I had stopped breathing for 90 seconds at one stage! That’s a worry.
At the time of writing this post, I still need to visit the doctor. However, I had to get another test result for him first. Below is my research on this topic.
The Impact of Sever Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can significantly impact your daily life in several ways, affecting your physical health, mental well-being, emotional stability, and overall quality of life. Here’s how it might be influencing your day-to-day experience:
1. Daytime Fatigue and Sleepiness
- Effects:
- Persistent tiredness, even after a full night’s sleep.
- Difficulty staying awake during meetings, reading, or watching TV.
- Falling asleep at inappropriate times, such as during work or driving (which increases the risk of accidents).
2. Cognitive Impairment
- Effects:
- Reduced focus and concentration, making it harder to complete tasks efficiently.
- Memory problems, such as forgetting appointments or losing track of conversations.
- Difficulty making decisions or solving problems, which can affect work and personal responsibilities.
3. Emotional and Mental Health Issues
- Effects:
- Increased irritability and mood swings.
- Higher risk of anxiety and depression due to poor sleep quality and its physical consequences.
- A sense of frustration or overwhelm caused by ongoing exhaustion and its impact on productivity.
4. Physical Health Symptoms
- Effects:
- Frequent morning headaches caused by low oxygen levels during the night.
- Dry mouth or sore throat from disrupted breathing.
- Heart palpitations or chest discomfort, as OSA puts strain on the cardiovascular system.
5. Impact on Relationships
- Effects:
- Partners may be disturbed by loud snoring, gasping, or choking sounds during the night, potentially leading to sleep disruptions for both.
- Reduced energy and mood can create tension or decreased intimacy in relationships.
- Irritability may lead to misunderstandings or conflict with family, friends, or colleagues.
6. Decreased Work Performance
- Effects:
- Lower productivity due to poor concentration and reduced energy.
- Increased risk of mistakes or missed deadlines.
- Difficulty keeping up with the demands of your job or career growth.
7. Increased Risk of Health Complications
- Effects:
- Severe OSA increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, which can exacerbate daily fatigue and overall health.
- Weakened immune function, making you more prone to illnesses.
8. Reduced Quality of Life
- Effects:
- Lack of motivation to engage in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed.
- Difficulty maintaining a regular social life due to constant tiredness.
- A feeling of being “in a fog” or disconnected from life.
Potential Signs You May Notice
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the day.
- Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning.
- Feeling like you’ve lost control over your energy levels and overall health.
What You Can Do
Addressing Severe OSA through effective treatment, such as CPAP therapy or other options, can drastically improve these symptoms, helping you:
- Regain energy and focus.
- Improve mood and relationships.
- Lower your risk of serious health complications.
- Feel more in control of your life.
