Therapy Tips :
 CPAP is not a cure-all for sleep problems and daytime fatigue for every person. There are so many factors that can affect sleep behavior and energy levels, including but not limited to diet and exercise, stress level, medications, other medical conditions, and more specifically sleep disorders other than Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
If you are using your CPAP every night all night and are still tired during the day or have trouble getting to sleep we recommend that you keep a "sleep diary" to help you isolate the possible causes of your problem. In your sleep diary you should record the time you got up for the day, the time you went to bed the night before, and the following:
1. medications you took and the time that you took them
2. whether or not you exercised, what type, for how long and at what time of day
3. your diet(including caffeine and alcohol) for the day, and the times at which you ate or drank
4. a description of your sleep problem that night.
Having this information written down will enlighten you about possible reasons for your problem. It will also help you address potential issues with your doctor. Perhaps you need to change the times at which you drink caffeine to eliminate insomnia. Or, your doctor may wish to change or stop a medication that could be causing daytime sleepiness.
Keep your sleep diary for at least 2 weeks and longer if necessary. If you are not able to determine the cause of your problem on your own and make appropriate adjustments, make an appointment with your sleep specialist for help.
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Articles of InterestBedtime Snacks Can Help You Sleep?
According to Antonio Culebras, MD, scientists are only beginning to learn about the connection between what we eat and how we sleep. An article published online by WebMD addresses why hunger disrupts our sleep, which bedtime snacks are good for sleep, and how to eat to fall or stay asleep. To read the entire article, click here.
 Do You Have Sitting Disease?
Yes, that is the new name for being a couch potato! Exercise is very important for our overall health and affects our sleep. So, if you are living the sedentary life, you need to read this article by WebMD. The article contains 11 solutions for fighting sitting disease, especially targeted to those of us who work desk jobs and commute long distances for work. Click here to read more.
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Just a thought...
Does your insurance policy have a high deductible or co-pay, or does your current CPAP provider limit your product choices based on your insurance reimbursement? Consider purchasing your CPAP supplies and submitting the bill to your insurance yourself. CPAP providers who are not contracted with insurance companies are able to offer lower prices, which in turn will lower the amount your insurance company will apply to your deductible/co-pay. And, you will get the products you want--the products that work for you.
For more information, please call 877-392-7270.
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