Regular sleep can be a struggle for many people. Some people struggle with getting a good night of sleep because of anxiety and stress. Others struggle because of chronic health conditions that affect their ability to either fall asleep or stay asleep. Some health conditions can even make sleep dangerous. Sleep apnea is a common condition that involves the body decreasing or preventing oxygen during sleep. The body usually notices the lack of oxygen and the person is forced awake. However, even a few seconds of reduced oxygen can result in additional medical conditions. There are a variety of things a person should do when sleep apnea may be possible.
Consult with your medical provider. As mentioned, sleep apnea can be extremely dangerous. Untreated sleep apnea sufferers, for example, are three times as likely to have heart disease. They are also more likely to experience breathing difficulties, asthma, a stroke, and even death. If you suspect that sleep apnea may be affecting your sleep habits, consult with your medical professional as soon as possible. They will assign a variety of sleep studies that will test the oxygen levels during your sleep.
Consider a BIPAP mask for diagnostic reasons. With 2 to 4% of all Americans having an undiagnosed case of sleep apnea, this accounts for approximately 1 in 50 individuals being undiagnosed. Having a case of undiagnosed sleep apnea can be dangerous, because necessary precautions are not taken to prevent needed oxygen during sleep. Sleep studies may not be enough to properly diagnoses a case of sleep apnea. A BIPAP mask may also be used. The CPAP machines can provide a counted number of times the BIPAP mask was turned on, due to lack of oxygen in one night.
Utilize a BIPAP machine for a safer night of sleep. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you should strongly consider sleeping with a BIPAP mask every night. Purchasing a CPAP machine for sale can increase the safety of your sleep. It can prevent the amount of sleep apneas that you have per night. When your body does not get enough oxygen, the BIPAP mask identifies the reduction in oxygen, and turns on the machine to provide it for you. This not only increase oxygen levels during sleep, it can result in a better and more refreshing night of sleep, because the body is no longer awakened from a lack of oxygen.
Work with your insurance company. There are actually two important reasons to work with your insurance company on your sleep apnea needs. A sleep apnea machine is only helpful in reducing sleep apneas when you use it on a regular basis. CPAP machine supplies may also be very expensive. Insurance companies do not want to pay for CPAP supplies or a BIPAP mask, if the person does not actually use it. Sufferers of sleep apneas may be able to get insurance coverage, if they are willing to follow specific insurance requirements.
For example, the insurance company may set specific stipulations on the amount of usage that is required of the CPAP machine. For best results and continued insurance coverage, patients should use CPAP at least 70% of the time over a 30 day period, for at least 4 hours every night. These minimum time limits have been found to be the safest method of using the CPAP machine and BIPAP mask. Many sleep apnea sufferers tend to not use their machines for these durations, reducing their rates of success.
Sleep apnea is a relatively common medical condition that affects many Americans. It not only reduces the amount of quality sleep that someone gets, but it also can be dangerous. A person who suspects they may have a lack of oxygen during sleep should work with their medical provider and insurance company to get the necessary CPAP machine and supplies. This can provide the sleep apnea sufferer with a more fulfilling and safer night of sleep.