Tag Archives: sleep apnea

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.

Summer Allergies and Sleep Apnea

Summer allergies can lead to a number of symptoms, including making sleep apnea worse.

Summer means a lot of different things for everyone. From sunny days, later nights, grilling or camping out, and so much more, there is a lot to love about summer. One of the drawbacks to summer however, is the increase in allergens, which leads to summer allergies. With ragweed and pollen in the air, summer allergies can reduce your ability to breathe effectively.

If you have sleep apnea, it’s important to know how you are affected by summer allergies so that you’re ready to make adjustments to your CPAP therapy. CPAPCentral.com offers you these tips to help you understand how summer allergies impact you and how you can continue your therapy effectively.

Impact on Symptoms

Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to allergies, and studies have shown symptoms like snoring and difficulty breathing while sleeping are made worse by summer allergies. Additionally, these allergies can cause runny noses, watery eyes, and sore throats, making you feel uncomfortable and making it difficult for you to sleep. This leads to an increased feeling of daytime drowsiness and fatigue. Summer allergy symptoms combined with a potential worsening of your sleep apnea can take a serious toll on your health.

How to Help Yourself

Many symptoms related to summer allergies can be treated with over-the-counter medications. These alleviate symptoms and can help you sleep. To prevent allergen-loaded air from passing through your CPAP machine every night, remember to clean your CPAP machine every day. Make sure your air filters are changed regularly and that you wipe your machine with a damp cloth, and wash your humidifier chamber, mask, and tubing every day. Products like cleaning wipes, tube cleanings systems, and the SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer are a great way to start a daily routine of keeping your CPAP supplies clean.

You can also make sure your CPAP therapy is as effective as possible by making sure your equipment is up-to-date. CPAPCentral.com has all the CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and other CPAP supplies to make sure you’re able to sleep comfortably.

How to Talk to a Loved One About a Sleep Disorder

Tips for talking with a loved one about sleep disorder symptoms.

Does your bed partner keep you up at night with their snoring or gasping for air? Are you concerned about their excessive daytime fatigue? Do you suspect they may have a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea? If so, you are not alone and you may be losing sleep as well. Starting a conversation about a potential sleep disorder can be difficult, but CPAPCentral.com has some tips to help.

Be Honest – We recommend being honest through an open conversation about what you are seeing and hearing, as well as your feelings and concerns about the problem.

Provide Proof – For some people, it is hard to believe something without seeing it. Taking a video or audio recording of a loved one during sleep may be the proof they need to be compelled to schedule a sleep test. This recording may also be helpful when talking with a doctor about their sleep concerns.

Listen to the Doctor – Sleep disorders typically need medical consultation to accurately identify and address the root of the disorder. Discourage your loved one from using online forums for the do-it-yourselfer as every person’s situation is different. Have them talk with their doctor or sleep specialist to fully understand their situation. Encourage your loved one to follow the doctor’s orders and remind them it will take persistence, so don’t give up!

Suggest Apnea-Reducing Habits – In addition to doctor’s assistance and diagnosis, encourage your loved one to follow apnea-reducing habits such as weight loss, sleeping on their side, avoiding alcohol, and avoiding drugs that relax the body. These habits can help improve their sleep, especially if they have sleep apnea.

Be Patient – Remind your loved one that a sleep disorder may take time to control and therapies, such as CPAP therapy, may require time to allow them to adjust to the equipment and routine. It is important to be supportive of your loved one every step along the way. The goal is to help them succeed.

Starting a conversation could be hard, however with these tips, CPAPCentral.com is confident you can be adequately prepared for your discussion. We ultimately want to help everyone sleep better. If your loved one is diagnosed with sleep apnea, call CPAPCentral.com at 877-630-7386. We can walk them through selecting a CPAP machine and CPAP mask that fits their lifestyle.

Critical Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Snoring is not the only sleep apnea symptom!

Sleep apnea may be subtle but it can wreak havoc on your sleep. Sleep apnea can directly affect your quality of sleep, and it is not always connected to snoring! CPAPCentral.com walks you through the most common symptoms of sleep apnea and the recommended steps through diagnosis and treatment.

Do you have these critical sleep apnea symptoms?

Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
Waking up gasping for air or shortness of breath
Attention problems
Loud snoring
Headache in the morning
Awaking with a sore throat or dry mouth
Difficulty staying asleep

Sleep apnea, like most conditions, does not always trigger all the symptoms listed above or may have other effects not listed. For example, not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Most people consider snoring as a harmless sleeping event. Snoring can be an indicator of sleep apnea however snoring is not always involved.

When should I seek medical help if I have sleep apnea symptoms?

CPAPCentral.com knows deciding to seek medical advice from your healthcare provider can be difficult. If you are concerned with your sleep patterns or notice any of the following symptoms, consult your healthcare professional:

Excessive daytime drowsiness that causes you to fall asleep while driving, watching television. or working
Waking up short of breath
Inconsistent breathing patterns while sleeping
Snoring the wakes you during the night or disturbs others

If you or loved one notices any of the symptoms listed above, consult your healthcare professional. In most cases, the doctor may order a sleep test to monitor your sleep patterns. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your next step is to select a CPAP machine and CPAP mask in accordance with your doctor’s recommendations.