less often, it gets dark earlier, it’s cold and we generally get less exercise. All of these things can create a mental and physical load on our bodies that can result in us getting less sleep.

 

Since getting enough sleep is a cornerstone to good health, here are some tips to help you sleep better as the seasons change:

 

• Go to bed when you feel tired- when your eyelids start drooping and you’re overtaken by yawns, it’s time to hit the hay. However, if you can’t fall asleep within a half hour, get up and read or do something that makes you tired.
• Get the right room temperature- It should be just cold enough that you need to get under the covers, but not so hot that you’re burning up.
• Sip on herbal tea- certain herbal teas, like chamomile or mint, act as natural sedatives that help produce a deep sleep.
• Exercise during the day- exercising activates the body’s natural healing process, a lot of which happens while we sleep.
• Get all your worries out- in a room that is separate from where you sleep, write down all your worries and plans for tomorrow, then leave the room. This way you will literally be leaving your worries outside of the bedroom.
• Think peaceful- Try to mentally let all the tension out of your body starting at your extremities and working toward your core. Concentrate on relaxing thoughts.

 

Hopefully these tips help boost your energy and avoid the late fall and winter doldrums. If you need help with anything sleep apnea related, CPAP Central is ready and willing to help! We’re available via live chat Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. EST.

It’s probably not a stretch to say that you weren’t feeling lucky when you were diagnosed with sleep apnea. Nor were you probably feeling thankful when you found out what goes into treating the condition. We also doubt that your first night of CPAP inspired feelings of gratitude.

 

However, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, we thought we would offer a little bit of optimism and talk about how to be grateful for something like CPAP—even when it’s hard to do so.

 

• Fewer family arguments.

 

Holidays can often bring out the worst in family members. Whether it’s stress from extra obligations or old grudges coming to the surface, it’s not uncommon for arguments to break out.

 

With your newfound rest from CPAP therapy, you’ll find your irritation levels going down. Getting a good night’s sleep can go far in helping your mood around others.

This means that behavior or comments that used to make you cranky suddenly don’t seem like such a big deal.

 

• Longer time to spend with your family.

 

Now that you’re addressing your sleep apnea, this means that you have a higher likelihood of living a longer life. With those extended years, you can spend more time with your loved ones and watch the next generation of your family grow up.

 

• You’ll miss fewer moments.

 

Did you ever find yourself falling asleep while attending a school play? How about when you were watching your child play sports? How many social events did you have to turn down because you were just too tired?

 

With sleep apnea therapy, you’ll miss fewer of these moments between you and your loved ones. CPAP compliance means less falling asleep during the day and more energy to enjoy social occasions.

 

 

At CPAP Central, we are thankful for the chance to make a difference in the lives and health of our customers. We wouldn’t do what we do if we didn’t feel thankful for the opportunity to help others. Tell us in the comment section what you’re grateful for!

 

 

More than likely, you haven’t attended school in years. But that doesn’t mean you’re done with tests. In fact, some of the most important exams you’ll take in your life are yet to occur. So, get out your pencils and put on your study music—we’re going to get you ready for a sleep test!

Sleep apnea is a common condition in America, but many people aren’t aware they have it. If you wake up each morning feeling as if you haven’t slept a wink, you might have sleep apnea. If a partner has noticed you gasping in the night or has complained of excessive snoring, you might have sleep apnea. And if you find yourself falling asleep during inappropriate times during the day you might—you guessed it—have sleep apnea.

Should you demonstrate some of the major symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s highly likely that your doctor will order a sleep test for you. There are a couple of different options, including:

 

Lab Sleep Test

 

Formally referred to as nocturnal polysomnography, this sleep test takes place in a lab. You will be hooked up to equipment that will monitor a variety of things, including activity from your heart, lungs and even your brain waves. Your breathing will also be measured, as will any movement by your arms and legs.

 

Home Sleep Test

 

Some doctors may choose to have you evaluate your own sleeping patterns via a home sleep test. This will allow your results to come from your normal sleeping environment. Your sleep center will give a machine that gathers different data on you as you sleep. Don’t worry about knowing how to use it—they will show you before you go home.

 

Prepping for the Sleep Test

 

No matter where you do your sleep test, it’s important to follow your normal daily routine as close as possible. You should avoid napping during the day and limit your caffeine intake in the afternoon.

 

If your tests do come back positive for sleep apnea, we’re here to help! We carry everything you need to get this condition under control, including CPAP and BiPAP machines. If you need help with anything sleep apnea related, CPAP Central is ready and willing to help! We’re available via live chat Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. EST.

How many of you read the title and thought, “Sleeping for a month? Sign me up!” You wouldn’t be alone. Approximately 40 percent of U.S. adults get less than the recommended amount of sleep each night. Since November is National Sleep Comfort Month, now is the perfect time to take stock of the things that might be keeping you from getting a good night’s rest:

 

• Not keeping the same bed time every night.

 

Experts tell us that going to bed at the same time every night can help establish a better quality sleep. While keeping a bed time may make you feel like a little kid, the truth is adults also need one. Waking up at the same time every day—even on the weekends—can also help.

 

• Put down the phone.

 

Besides giving yourself a bedtime, you’ll also need to enforce another rule you may already give your children: limiting screen time. Experts say that watching TV, playing on the computer or scrolling through your phone an hour before you go to sleep can disrupt your circadian rhythms, leading to a poor sleeping pattern.

 

• Establish a routine.

 

Another way to get into a good sleeping rhythm is to have a pre-bed routine. This can be anything from reading for 20 minutes to brushing and flossing right before sleep. Some people drink warm milk or chamomile tea to wind down. We caution you from drinking alcohol for the same reason. While it may make you fall asleep, it can keep you from going through all of the REM cycles properly, leaving you feeling awful in the morning.

 

• Stay CPAP Compliant.

 

We know that this can be easier said than done, but if you have sleep apnea it’s crucial to getting a good night’s sleep. If you’ve been avoiding CPAP due to discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts! We can help you get to the bottom of any trouble you may be experiencing with your equipment.

 

At CPAP Central, our main focus is ensuring that you get the best possible sleep. Our Education and Resources Center can give you more tips about how to get the best rest each night. For updated and replacement CPAP equipment see our online catalog.