My doctor informed me that sleep apnea creates an accumulative effect of oxygen deprivation. This has an impact on all elements of life. My brain is not at its best. I find myself falling asleep at inappropriate times. For instance, the other day I was visiting a patient in the hospital. She was sharing her fears about life circumstances. Normally, I'd be focused in to ensure she is getting the benefit of being truly heard. That day, the best I could do was try not to fall asleep while listening to her. Thank God I will have the machine soon.
What is there to take away from this writing? There are multiple variables involved in a person's well-being. I suspect my life will radically improve with proper sleep. I may even reduce anti-depressant medications. This insight encourages me to be extra sensitive to others. I do not know what is going on in their lives. It is certain that there are variables at play in their lives that I cannot be aware of. Fortunately, I don't need to know the details to extend compassion. Join me in the quest to live compassionately. This involves social justice and day to day interaction with colleagues, family, and friends.
2 comments:
you're right to believe your life will improve once you get treated for this. there's a lot of good information on the online forums that you should look at because the treatment can be confusing, and doctors are not always forthcoming. check out the sleepguide dot com forum and they'll help you out.
Good Luck!
picarI can't be sure since I never had a sleep study done (no health insurance), but I think I have a mild form of the same affliction. When I told some friends who also have apnea about it, they went on for days about the wonders of their CPAP machines. They do a lot of international travel and apparently it's also the best possible accessory to take on an airline flight... Just hook up the CPAP, some headphones, and an eye mask and you'll be out the entire time.
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