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The Connection between Diabetes & Sleep Apnea

Studies have shown that there is a connection between sleep apnea and diabetes.

At first it may be tough to see how a disease that affects your blood glucose levels can be connected to a disorder like sleep apnea that affects your breathing while you sleep. But, once you think about it for a little longer, the connection starts to become clear. CPAPCentral.com wants you to know about the connection between diabetes and sleep apnea, and what you can do to manage symptoms for both disorders.

The Importance of Weight

Obesity is a leading risk factor for sleep apnea, as excessive weight gain puts more pressure on your body. This is especially true when excessive weight is gained in the trunk and neck region, resulting in compromised respiratory function. As the soft tissues and neck muscles relax during sleep, the airway closes and this leads to sleep apnea. Obesity is also among the top risks for developing type 2 diabetes, which results in increased blood glucose levels and reduces the body’s ability to produce insulin. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce your risk for developing either disorder.

How Sleep Apnea Can Lead to Diabetes

Sleep apnea is a disorder that, when left untreated, wreaks havoc on your sleep patterns. You may not be aware of it if you haven’t been diagnosed, but sleep apnea prevents you from getting into the deepest levels of sleep where you can recharge which leaves you feeling tired all day. This can lead to an increased heart rate and decreased energy levels. All of this can throw your body off and effect the production of hormones that help manage fat levels and muscle mass in the body, which can lead to the development of diabetes. Researchers have also found connections between sleep apnea and insulin resistance. Additionally untreated sleep apnea often leads to unhealthy eating habits, frequent snacking to combat the daytime fatigue and exhaustion.

CPAPCentral.com encourages all of our customers to live healthy. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, CPAP therapy can help you sleep better and decrease your likelihood of developing diabetes. We have CPAP machines, masks and accessories for people with sleep apnea. We encourage you to consult your doctor to learn more about your risk for developing diabetes.

CPAPs and Halloween

You may not know it, but there are actually several connections between Halloween, CPAPs and sleep apnea.

Halloween is just around the corner, and CPAPCentral.com knows you’re excited. Believe it or not, there is actually more of a connection between Halloween and CPAP than you might think. From enjoying your candy to using your mask as part of your costume, Halloween and sleep apnea therapy go hand in hand. We want everyone to have fun on Halloween, and get a good night’s sleep going into November and beyond. Let’s explore the connection between Halloween, sleep apnea and CPAP use.

Careful with Candy

Candy is as much a part of Halloween as turkey is a part of Thanksgiving. But for people with sleep apnea, and even for those who don’t have the disorder, candy needs to be enjoyed in moderation. Type 2 diabetes is among the risk factors that can lead to sleep apnea, as well as several other health problems. So, don’t overindulge on candy to reduce your risk.

Eating too much candy, especially chocolate, can keep you awake at night. Chocolate contains caffeine, and the darker the chocolate is, the more caffeine it contains. Consuming caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening can interfere with your sleep. So, while it is fun to eat candy on Halloween night, don’t over indulge if you want to wake up feeling refreshed on November 1^st.

CPAP Costumes

Why not embrace your CPAP mask and use it as part of your costume? If you’re looking for a leg-up on the costume contest competition, your CPAP mask gives you an extra prop that not everyone else will have. Here are some ideas to help you use your CPAP mask as part of a Halloween costume.

Bane: This one has become very popular in recent years since the release of the film “The Dark Knight Rises” in 2012. To play Batman’s nemesis, Bane, all you need is your CPAP mask, a flesh-colored swim cap and a heavy coat.
Scuba Diver: Give yourself the look of someone about to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Your CPAP mask will act as your scuba mask, and then all you need to add are swim goggles and a compression shirt to mimic a wetsuit.
Fighter Pilot: Whether you’re looking to be Maverick or Goose, your CPAP mask can be part of your costume to become the perfect fighter pilot. To complete the outfit, you’ll need a motorcycle helmet and a jumpsuit.

CPAPCentral.com wishes everyone a happy and safe Halloween. If you need a new CPAP mask, or other CPAP supplies, contact us and we’ll help you get restocked.

Dealing with Sleepless Nights

It can be tough to fall asleep some nights. Use these tips to help get the rest you need.

Remember the last time you were so exhausted that all you wanted to do was crawl under the covers and fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow? Did you get the good night sleep you needed or did you struggle to relax and fall asleep. Many of us experience sleepless nights from time to time. You find yourself staring at the ceiling and you can’t turn your brain off. You start thinking about work, bills, things you need to get done this weekend and pretty much anything except falling asleep. CPAPCentral.com is here to help you tackle those sleepless nights, and we have some tips that can help you relax, turn your brain off and fall asleep faster so you can get more rest.

Exercise During the Day

We all know that exercise makes you healthier, but did you know those health benefits extend to helping you sleep better at night? Regular exercise helps increase your metabolism, which not only helps you fall asleep faster and leads to a better quality sleep, but can also help you feel less tired during the day.

Turn Off the Electronics

Technology is a wonderful thing, but there are also disadvantages to being too “plugged in.” Watching television, checking emails and clicking through social media on your smartphone may help you stay in touch with what’s going on, but it also keeps your brain active and makes it much more difficult to fall asleep. Additionally, the light emitted from these devices interferes with your circadian rhythms, making it harder for you to fall asleep. A good rule of thumb is to keep electronics out of your bedroom or “unplug” at least a half hour before bedtime.

Get Rid of the Clock

When you’re having trouble falling asleep, your instinct is to look at the clock to see how long you’ve been in bed. This is the wrong thing to do, because as soon as you look at the clock, you’ll start to get frustrated and start doing math about how long you’ve been in bed, how long you’ll have to sleep when you finally do fall asleep. This keeps your mind active, and makes it harder to fall asleep.

If concerns over your sleep apnea are keeping you awake, CPAPCentral.com can help with a new CPAP machine, CPAP mask or accessories that make using your CPAP equipment more comfortable.

Foods to Avoid Before Bed

Eating these foods before bed may make it difficult for you to fall asleep.

There are certain times when you always feel a little hungry, whether it’s in the middle of the afternoon at your desk or as you’re putting on your pajamas before you go to sleep at night. Snacking is fine, but eating before bed requires a little extra thought, because there are some foods that make it more difficult to fall asleep.

CPAPCentral.com is all about helping people sleep better each night, so we’re here to provide you with a list of foods to avoid before bed so you can get a good night’s sleep.

Food to Avoid: Bacon

We know, this is more of a breakfast food that you might not think of as a midnight snack, and for good reason. Bacon, and other cured meats, actually contain amino acids that trigger the production of norepinephrine, which keeps you awake. Besides, who wants to take the time to fry up bacon at night, anyway?

If you do need a meaty snack before bed, you’re better off with a turkey sandwich. Turkey isn’t a cured meat, and contains tryptophan, which can help you fall asleep.

Food to Avoid: Chocolate

There’s a reason it’s so hard to get the kids to sleep on Halloween night and why you should have them ration their candy. Chocolate contains caffeine, a chemical that does a good job if you’re trying to keep yourself awake. While dark chocolate is good for your heart, it can actually contain as much caffeine as energy drinks.

Rather than eating chocolate, consider a trail mix heavy on nuts and dried fruit, which can actually help you with a more restful sleep.

Food to Avoid: Alcohol

OK, while this may not be a food, there are a lot of people out there who think a nightcap can help them fall asleep. While it’s true that alcohol can help you fall asleep, you won’t get a lot of rest. People who go to bed with alcohol in their system tend to have fitful sleep, making it difficult to reach deeper stages of sleep.

As cliché as it may sound, a glass of warm milk can actually help you fall asleep by stimulating production of melatonin.

CPAPCentral.com is here for people who may need more than a glass a warm milk to help you sleep well. If you have sleep apnea, we have CPAP machines, CPAP masks and other supplies to help you sleep at night. Contact us to learn more.

Sleep and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder impacts a lot of people during the winter months.

Fall is a wonderful time of year. The air turns crisp, the leaves start to change color and there is seemingly nothing that can’t be made better by pumpkin spice. And while there is a lot to love about the autumn season, one of the things that can affect people in unexpected ways is shorter days.

The days are already starting to get shorter, and pretty soon daylight savings time will be at an end. These shorter days mean less sunlight, and can actually lead to a disorder that impacts your sleep: Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD. CPAPCentral.com wants to help you understand how this disorder can impact your sleep, and what you can do to treat it.

The Effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder can be caused by a few things, but among the most common are changes in your body’s circadian rhythms due to the reduced sunlight, which can lead to reduced levels of serotonin. Among the main side effects associated with SAD is insomnia, which means you’re unable to fall asleep and your energy levels decrease. In fact, studies have shown that up to 80 percent of people with Fall/Winter SAD experience hyperinsomnia. These side effects can lead to depression, which can be severe.

Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder

You should seek treatment if your symptoms are persistent, especially if you no longer find activities as enjoyable as you once did. If you are diagnosed with SAD, your doctor may prescribe light therapy, which simulates the same light as outdoor light and can trigger chemicals in the brain. Your doctor may also elect to use psychotherapy and anti-depressants to treat the disorder.

At home, there are steps you can take on your own to reduce the effects of SAD. Make sure to let as much natural light into your home as you can, and get outside as much as possible, weather permitting. Regular exercise can also help by taking away stress, which can make SAD symptoms worse.

CPAPCentral.com hopes that by raising awareness about SAD, you can be proactive and make changes to your daily routine before the disorder impacts your sleep.

Sleep Apnea and Seniors

Sleep Apnea is becoming more common among older adults. Here’s what you need to know.

September is Healthy Aging Month. At CPAPCentral.com, we know that sleep plays a huge role in your overall health. Getting enough sleep can give you the energy you need to get through the day and improve your body’s overall performance. Sleep becomes even more important as we age, because our bodies naturally lose the energy that was once so abundant with younger age.

Sleep disorders like sleep apnea affect people of all ages, but can have a more profound impact on seniors. In fact, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recently conducted a study showing that 20 percent of older adults are affected by sleep apnea. There have even been studies showing a possible link between sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s disease. To help seniors with sleep apnea, CPAPCentral.com brings you these management tips.

Know What Symptoms to Look for

While there is no one symptom that automatically indicates sleep apnea, there are signs to watch out for. Chief among these symptoms is snoring, especially snoring that is accompanied by gasping or long periods between breathing. Other symptoms to watch out for include daytime drowsiness, a lethargic attitude, mood changes, and waking up frequently at night.

See a Doctor

No one likes going to the doctor, but if you’re experiencing symptoms associated with a sleep disorder, it’s time to make an appointment. Be honest about your symptoms so your doctor has as much information as possible to make a diagnosis. You may be asked to complete a sleep test, which can be conducted in a lab or at home, to get a more definitive diagnosis.

Embrace CPAP Therapy

Sleep apnea treatment has become much more effective in recent years, thanks in large part to advances made in CPAP therapy, which helps make sure air is passing through your airway while you sleep if you have sleep apnea. CPAP therapy can help relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea and make sure you’re well-rested so you have the energy to do the things you love.

CPAPCentral.com is here for patients of all ages who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. We offer a wide variety of CPAP machines, CPAP masks and other accessories to make sure your treatment is effective. Contact us to learn more.

Presidents with Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be made worse by stress. And being President of the United States is about as stressful as it gets.

Sleep apnea can be made worse by stress. Being President of the United States is about as stressful as it gets.

There may be not be a more stressful job in the entire world than that of the President of the United States. For the individuals who serve as president, sleep is a need that often goes unmet. In fact, there are several presidents that experienced sleep disorders, which makes their job even more difficult. Today, CPAPCentral.com is going to focus on the Commanders In Chief who lived with sleep apnea.

William Howard Taft

William Howard Taft served as America’s 27^th president, and was the heaviest man to hold the office. The stress of the job, combined with his excessive weight, made Taft a prime candidate for sleep apnea, specifically obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity is among the leading risk factors for sleep apnea. Despite his sleep apnea, Taft served as president for four years and eventually returned to public service to become the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Theodore Roosevelt

While best known for his service in the Spanish-American War and building up the National Park System, Teddy Roosevelt was also likely to have suffered from sleep apnea. While he was never officially diagnosed, the 26^th U.S. president showed several of the tell-tale symptoms associated with sleep apnea, including loud snoring and weight gain.

Grover Cleveland

Serving as both the 22^nd and 24^th U.S. President, Grover Cleveland is the only president to serve two terms that weren’t consecutive. Like Teddy Roosevelt, Cleveland was never diagnosed with sleep apnea, but showed many symptoms associated with the sleep disorder, including loud snoring, obesity, and having a thick neck.

These former presidents didn’t have the benefit of modern medicine or living in an era where CPAP machines were around to help treat their sleep apnea. Luckily, we’ve come a long way over the years. CPAPCentral.com has PAP machines, masks and comfort supplies to make sure that your sleep apnea is treated effectively, and with greater success than these former leaders of the free world.

Knowledge is Power: Sleeping Disorders

There are other sleep disorders beyond sleep apnea, and they impact millions of people every night.

At CPAPCentral.com we’ve got you covered when it comes to information about sleep apnea and providing you with the CPAP supplies you need. However, sleep apnea is just one of many sleep disorders that impact people across the world when they try to sleep.

Whether you’re having trouble falling asleep, sleeping too much, or facing another sleep disorder, CPAPCentral.com wants to make sure you have as much information as possible about various sleep disorders so you can receive effective treatment.

Insomnia

Among the most common sleep disorders, insomnia’s main symptom is extreme difficulty falling asleep. When we don’t get enough sleep, it can lead to a wide range of side effects, including taking away our energy and disturbing our focus. This leads to a change in mood and can also affect performance at work and quality of life. Insomnia has a wide range of treatments, which can include everything from medication to providing patients with education on proper sleeping habits like controlling stimulus before sleep, setting a regular sleep schedule and performing relaxation techniques before bed.

Narcolepsy

You can think of narcolepsy as the polar opposite of insomnia. Narcolepsy causes excessive drowsiness and can force people to suddenly fall asleep. This is a chronic condition with no known cure that can wreak havoc on your daily routine. Additionally, narcolepsy may lead to other sleep disorders. Common forms of treatment for narcolepsy include medications that stimulate the nervous system and reduce REM sleep and making lifestyle changes like starting a sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol, and exercising regularly.

Restless Leg Syndrome

The name really says it all with restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS. The main symptom for RLS is people will experience an urge to move their legs while their lying down. This urge can be painful and can occur any time your legs are at rest, whether your lying in bed or sitting in a chair. Treating RLS is all about managing symptoms through measures like limiting caffeine and alcohol, and creating an exercise plan. RLS can also be a result of vitamin deficiency and symptoms can be made worse by prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

If you are experiencing any symptoms related to these three conditions, please make an appointment to see your doctor. During your appointment, it’s important to share as much information with your doctor as possible so you can receive an effective treatment plan.

Relaxation Techniques to Help you Sleep

Falling asleep can be tough, so use these tip to help yourself get in the right frame of mind for sleeping.

If you have sleep apnea, falling asleep can be hard enough, especially if you’re not using CPAP equipment to help treat your sleep disorder. But, even if you use your CPAP equipment the way you’re supposed to, sometimes falling asleep can be a difficult task. CPAPCentral.com knows that from time to time, we all have a little trouble sleeping, and we’re here to help you find a solution that is more reliable than counting sheep.

Give Yourself Time to Get in a Sleepy Mood

For many of us, the day doesn’t end as soon as we walk out of the office at quitting time. You have to drive home, make dinner, spend time with your family, and sometimes do even more work once you get home. We’re used to doing things right up to the moment we go to bed. Instead, in the half hour before bedtime, give yourself time to relax in dim lighting.

Turn of the TV

Even when you are not be doing something stressful, like work, balancing your checkbook or paying the bills, you could still be preventing sleep. Watching TV and surfing the Internet on your computer or smartphone may seem like a harmless distraction, but it keeps your wheels turning and distracts you from sleeping. Turn of the electronics before you go to bed.

Relaxing in Bed

You want to be comfortable when you fall asleep. We don’t think about it very often, but there is a lot that goes into making sure you’re comfortable in bed. Start by finding a sleeping position that creates very little tension and allows you to relax. Once you’ve got your sleeping position, concentrate on your breathing to make sure you’re taking slower, deeper breaths. If you’re focusing on your breathing, you’re not as focused on the distractions of the day.

Following these suggestions can help you fall asleep faster. If you do have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine, you may also want to consider these comfort supplies from CPAPCentral.com to help make sure you’re as comfortable as possible while you sleep.

Finding Happiness with CPAP Therapy

It takes some adjustment to get used to CPAP therapy, but these tips can help you find happiness with your therapy.

Whether you’re new to CPAP therapy or someone who has used it to treat sleep apnea for years, there are steps are you can take to help make your therapy as effective as possible. In observance of August as Happiness Happens Month, CPAPCentral.com wants to offer you tips to make sure you are as happy as you can be with your CPAP therapy.

Getting Used to Your CPAP Equipment

Let’s face it, it’s going to take some time for you to adjust to CPAP therapy. In a very short period of time, you will go from the way you’ve slept your whole life to sleeping with a mask on your face and air being pushed through your airway. Give yourself some time to get used to the changes. You can start by wearing your mask while you’re awake and for short periods of time during naps. As for the air pressure, many CPAP machines are fitted with ramp-up features that allow you to fall asleep at a lower pressure before increasing to your prescribed pressure once asleep.

Keep Your CPAP Equipment in Top Shape

You use your CPAP equipment every night, which means that you need to make sure you are taking care of the equipment so it can last as long as it is supposed to. The best way to do this is to develop a regular schedule for cleaning and maintaining your equipment. Some chores need to be done daily, some weekly, and others bi-monthly.

Consider Comfort Supplies

While your mask, humidifier, and CPAP machine are all you need in order to receive your therapy, you may need more than this to truly be happy with your CPAP. CPAP comfort supplies could be the solution you need. CPAP Pillows are specially designed with CPAP users in mind. Their unique shape improves mask comfort and leakage, and can make sleeping with CPAP tubing more comfortable. CPAP strap pads or liners may improve your therapy experience as well. Strap pads prevent your CPAP mask straps from leaving marks on your face and make wearing mask headgear more comfortable. Perhaps you find your CPAP comfortable, but have difficultly relaxing before falling asleep with your CPAP. An aromatherapy system may be what you need. CPAPCentral.com carries the PUR-Sleep^TM line of aromatherapy products which are specially designed for use with CPAP. Many users find the scents to be relaxing and enjoyable. Spend some time researching CPAP comfort supplies. Talk with your friends, physician, or our CPAP experts at CPAPCentral.com. Trying a new CPAP comfort supply could take your CPAP therapy from good to great.

Replacing CPAP Equipment

After using your equipment every night for months, pieces of your equipment will need to be replaced. This will help ensure your CPAP therapy continues to be effective and that you’re not losing out on performance due to equipment that is past its useful life. If you have a schedule for replacing your equipment, you won’t have to worry about losing sleep due to ineffective equipment.

CPAPCentral.com carries a full line of CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and other CPAP equipment. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you treat your sleep apnea and sleep better.