javasaurus | Sleep Apnea update

Finally got the results of my CPAP.

For those of you just entering the story, sleep apnea is when you don't breathe properly at night, so you never get into really deep sleep, which is necessary for proper focus and functioning during the day. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in May or June, took an initial sleep study to determine the level of severity (severe obstructed sleep apnea was the final diagnosis). This can be treated using a mask that blows air up your nose all night, keeping the airways open. This is called CPAP. If it doesn't work, the next thing to try is operating on the nose to increase the nasal cavity, and fix/remove obstructions (like deviated septums). After that, you get a tonsilectomy and a uvula-ectomy. Lets hope the CPAP works--I like my uvula.

I was told that in my first sleep study, I suffered arousal (no, not that kind!) about 120 times during the evening, and only 8% of the sleep was stage 3 or stage 4 (stage 4 is deep sleep, you get REM and dreams and good rest). That means I had to return to consciousness, or almost consciousness, once every 3 to 4 minutes on the average so I could breathe.

The second sleep study was the CPAP test, they fitted me with a mask, and found the right level of air pressure. Tests showed that I need "level 12" which is a LOT of air pressure, but it meant I got about 21% deep sleep. This would probably improve with continued use of the CPAP, and I would eventually be able to reduce the air pressure. Unfortunately, sleep apnea is usually a life-long problem which can lead to heart problems, difficulty focusing, staying awake, learning, remembering stuff, etc. I think I don't mind wearing a mask to bed. I wonder if