I Need Air... Especially at Night!

Last night was the first night I decided to try and sleep with out my CPAP. I wanted to see with the monitoring of my Fitbit, how many times I woke up...

I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea after I fell asleep behind the wheel and almost hit an 18 wheeler.

"Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Several types of sleep apnea exist, but the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. The most noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring, although not everyone who has obstructive sleep apnea snores." ~Mayo Clinic

I was 19 when I was diagnosed. I was dating my husband at the time and hated the thought of having to wear this full faced mask. I was embarrassed in front of this guy who I really liked. I didn't know if he thought I'd be a freak. The thought of never being able to fall asleep in his arms killed me. Starting this new relationship this way was just no fun. Yep I worry.... A LOT!

Luckily for me, he was super supportive! He made me wear the mask every single night. He would even put it back on when I ripped it off in my sleep. It took a lot of getting used to, but eventually it became routine. Now that we are married for over five years, I still hate the stupid mask on my face, but it has become a ritual for me and my husband. Every night when we are ready for bed my husband comes to my side, kisses me goodnight and puts the mask on for me; Just like he did when I resisted wearing it. It's become sort of a romantic gesture in our lives believe it or not. Talk about turning a negative into something beautiful!

Last night I decided to try to sleep without it... I only woke up twice without my CPAP. I am exhausted today, so I know I still need it, but I did wake up with out any of the side effects like the horrible headache that pounds every time you move and the dizzyness from not getting enough oxygen at night.
This is what my sleep report looked like on my Fitbit page today! 99% sleep efficiency without the machine... Maybe there is hope that one day I will no longer need the thing.

To Our Health,
xoxo
Sleeve Pixie