Originally posted: https://wellawaresystems.com/benefits-of-sleeping-naked/

If you haven’t tried sleeping naked yet, now is the moment. This essay will show you how sleeping naked can help you obtain a better night’s sleep, reduce stress, and even lose weight.

There is currently little scientific research on the implications of sleeping naked, nor reliable data on the percentage of persons in the United States who do it. Although some people believe that sleeping naked makes it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

How Sleeping Naked Can Help You Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Some people believe that sleeping naked makes it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. However, these possible benefits of sleeping nude have not been investigated in depth by academics. It’s worth a shot if sleeping naked helps you get the needed seven to nine hours of sleep each night. According to research, sleeping naked has the potential to improve reproductive health, partner connection, and self-esteem.

The Advantages of Getting More Sleep

Adults should sleep at least seven hours every night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but one-third of adults2 sleep less than that. Sleep deprivation is a big issue because of the harmful effects it has on one’s health. Sleep deprivation, for example, raises the risk of heart disease and diabetes3, among other issues.

Your mental and physical health will improve if sleeping naked helps you sleep better. A better night’s sleep is linked to:

• Heart disease, diabetes, and other significant health problems are less likely to occur.

• A more powerful immune system

• Improved attention and clarity of thought

• Improved reasoning and problem-solving abilities

• Increased workplace productivity

• Decreased depression risk

Originally posted: https://wellawaresystems.com/what-is-a-bipap-machine/

If you suffer from sleep apnea or another breathing disorder, your doctor may have recommended a bilevel positive airway pressure machine, or BiPAP. It’s a gadget that helps you breathe. It’s also known as a BPAP.

CPAP and APAP devices are well-known, but there are also bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) machines.

We’ll look at what BPAP machines are, how they function, and what to expect if you use one in this post.

What exactly is a bipap machine?

Your diaphragm, a muscle in your chest that helps you breathe, moves downward as you take in air. This lowers the pressure in your lungs’ tubes and sacs, allowing air to enter. If you have a condition like sleep apnea, there may be moments when you can’t get the air you need (for example, when sleeping).

A BiPap machine can assist force air into your lungs if you have problems breathing. A mask or nasal plugs connected to the ventilator are worn. The gadget inflates your lungs with pressurised air. It’s called “positive pressure ventilation” because the gadget uses air pressure to help open your lungs.

A BPAP is a type of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) therapy that helps people breathe more easily.

BPAP machines are available for use in hospitals and at home for persons who require them.

BPAP machines for home use are small, around the size of a toaster. A tube connects the machine to a mask, which is worn over your nose and mouth.

BPAP devices, like other ventilators, employ pressure to force air into your lungs. This opens the lungs, increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood and decreasing carbon dioxide levels, depending on the settings.

The term “bilevel” refers to the fact that these machines have two air pressure settings:

• When you inhale, BPAP machines increase the air pressure. Inspiratory positive airway pressure is another name for this (IPAP).
• The gadget lowers the air pressure when you exhale. Expiratory positive airway pressure is the term for this (EPAP).

A timer on some BPAP devices can be set to maintain a specified number of breaths per minute.

Who should use a bipap machine?

If you have a medical condition that makes it difficult for you to breathe at times, you may benefit from a BiPAP. BiPAPs can help with obstructive sleep apnea, a dangerous disorder in which your breathing continuously stops and starts while you sleep. It can be life-threatening in some circumstances.

If you have:

• An asthma flare-up, your doctor may consider a BiPAP.
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a condition that affects the lungs (COPD)
• Coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure
• You have a neurological or neuromuscular condition.
• Hypoventilation syndrome due to obesity
• Difficulty breathing following a medical operation or as a result of another medical issue

A BiPAP is generally not for you if you have problems breathing most or all of the time, or if you have trouble swallowing. Instead, your doctor might suggest that you use another gadget to help you obtain adequate oxygen.

Is Sleep Apnea Something That Gets Passed Down Through Generations?
Originally posted: https://wellawaresystems.com/is-sleep-apnea-hereditary/

When a member of your family is diagnosed with a health problem, it’s normal to wonder if you’ll get it as well. If you grew up with a parent who suffers from sleep apnea, you may wonder, “Is sleep apnea genetic?” It’s a perfectly reasonable inquiry. We don’t know what percentage of the population has sleep apnea, but we do know that it’s a fairly prevalent sleep problem that affects a large number of people1. Given the wide range of difficulties that can result from sleep apnea, anyone with a family member who suffers from the disorder may find it especially important to determine if there is a genetic link. You’ve arrived at the right location if you feel as though we’re speaking directly to you. Continue reading to find out more about the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, as well as whether any of these illnesses has a hereditary component.

While there are a variety of circumstances that can put someone at risk for sleep apnea, there is a good chance that it is genetic. There’s a good possibility you’re suffering from sleep apnea if you have a serious condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or an endocrine or metabolic disorder. Smoking and the use of alcohol, sedatives, and opioids are all known to raise the risk of sleep apnea.

However, if you are suffering signs of sleep apnea such as loud snoring, loss of energy, daytime lethargy (even after a full night’s sleep), morning headaches, or sadness, you should talk to your doctor about a family history of this serious disorder. Physical features inherited from your parents, such as your face and skull shape, upper airway muscle characteristics, and body fat content and distribution, may all have a role in whether or not you develop sleep apnea.

A high body mass index (BMI) – your height to weight ratio – is commonly associated with sleep apnea. Obesity is linked to sleep apnea, but it can also affect those who are in good shape. Many people, including men and women, the elderly, and even toddlers, can suffer from sleep apnea. Some of the same symptoms that adults have, such as snoring, noisy breathing, chronic mouth breathing, restless sleep, and lethargy or tiredness, can also be seen in children.

Originally posted: https://wellawaresystems.com/importance-of-good-sleep-for-health/

Why a Good Nights Sleep is SO Important Your Health

We all know that sleep is important for our health. But, sometimes it can be difficult to get the amount of quality sleep we need. 

What is sleep?

Sleep is a natural state of the body in which the mind and body come to rest. During sleep, your heart rate, breathing, temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism all slow down (or “go down”) slightly. Sleep is most refreshing when you give your body adequate time for sleep each night. If you sleep too little or sleep poorly one night, it takes time for your body to return to its normal rhythm.

How sleep problems can affect your health

There are many sleep disorders that may interfere with sleep. If you sleep less than the recommended minimum of seven to eight hours per night, this can affect your overall health and well-being in both the short term (e.g., drowsy driving) and long term (e.g., risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease).

What is normal sleep?

Sleep has two different phases: rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep), which is associated with dreaming; and non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM or “deep” sleep), which lacks vivid dreams but is still important for good mental health. These two types of sleep alternate throughout night as you cycle through periods of sleep and wakefulness.

How much sleep should you be getting?

Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night, though some people may require more or less sleep than the average. The amount of sleep needed per night is most likely determined by genetics; however people can train themselves to sleep better (e.g., limiting your caffeine intake). If you are considering changing your sleep schedule, make sure that there aren’t any underlying medical conditions causing your sleep difficulties; otherwise it can cause further health problems if not taken care of.

Should I sleep longer on weekends?

There’s no need to sleep longer at the weekend, unless you sleep less than 5 or 6 hours during weekdays which can make you sleep deprived. If sleep deprivation is not a concern for you, go ahead and sleep in, but do your best to get back into a regular sleep schedule on Monday morning.

Why am I sleeping badly despite sleeping more?

If you sleep longer but still feel tired during the day, there might be an additional problem. You could sleep too lightly or your sleep could be interrupted. For example, sleep apnea disorder is a sleep breathing disorder which leads to sleep disruption and poor sleep quality.

How do I get a better nights sleep?

1. Take a hot bath with lavender salts to relax your muscles
2. Turn off all electronics at least thirty minutes before bed time
3. Create a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom by lighting candles and playing calming music
4. Set an alarm on your phone or computer so you do not oversleep
5. Avoid caffeine after 3pm, as it will interfere with sleep patterns
6. Drink chamomile tea before bed for its sedative properties

We hope you have found the advice we’ve given on how to get a better night’s sleep helpful. If so, please share this post with your friends and family who may be struggling with getting quality rest at night. In addition, don’t just read this article – take action! Get yourself to bed now and start sleeping well tonight. Tomorrow will feel amazing as a result of being rested from last night’s deep slumber.

Originally posted: https://wellawaresystems.com/how-to-stop-night-sweats/

What Are Night Sweats?

If you’re one of the many people who suffers from night sweats (excessive sweating at night), you might be wondering what the causes are and whether you should be concerned.

“True night sweats are described as extreme hot flashes that occur at night and can saturate sleepwear and sheets,” says Laura M. Rosch, DO, a Wheaton, Illinois-based osteopathic internal medicine specialist.

If you get night sweats on a regular basis, they are interrupting your sleep, or they are accompanied by a fever or other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, you should see your doctor.

Rather than treating symptoms, doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs, focus on prevention by looking at how your lifestyle and surroundings affect your health.

Night sweats are caused by a variety of factors.

Your level of anxiety

If you’re anxious or agitated, you’ve definitely experienced the terror of attempting to fall asleep (or back to sleep after waking up).

 Dr. Ram’s stress-reduction recommendations before bedtime:

•  Schedule time to unwind. Take a warm shower before night, avoid screen time and devices, or read a book.
•  Create a soothing environment. Make sure the lights are dimmed, the music is muted or muffled, and the environment is cool.
•  Consult your physician. Recurrent or long-term anxiety and tension could indicate a more serious mental health problem, such as anxiety disorder or depression.

You’re in the throes of menopause

Unlike hot flashes, which occur during the day, night sweats are a typical nighttime symptom in women going through menopause. In most cases, the symptoms of night sweats will wake you up after they have already occurred.

Many women, on the other hand, discover that by making simple lifestyle modifications like: • Eating well, they may reduce night sweats and other symptoms of menopause with reasonable ease.

• Exercising on a regular basis.
• Defending the skin from the sun’s rays.
• Making sure you’re getting the correct vitamins and supplements (particularly vitamin D3 if you live in a northern climate).
• Maintaining a high level of involvement in life.

According to Dr. Ford, if you’re going through menopause, eliminating triggers like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and cigarettes may help you feel better.

Types of Medication

Night sweats have been linked to a number of medications8. These include antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), steroids, and fever-relieving medications like aspirin or acetaminophen, which might increase sweating in some people.

Caffeine

Caffeine use might lead to excessive perspiration. Night sweats might be exacerbated by alcohol and drug use9.

Chronic sweating

Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is a medical disease in which the body produces excessive perspiration on a regular basis for no apparent reason.

Tumors

Night sweats can be a warning sign of certain cancers. Undiagnosed cancer, on the other hand, is characterised by extra symptoms such as unexplained weight loss and fever.

Hypoglycemia

Because hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can cause sweating, patients who take blood sugar-lowering drugs, such as insulin and oral anti-diabetics, may sweat at night.

Anxiety

Stress and emotional issues that cause you to sweat during the day can often lead you to sweat at night.

Originally posted: https://wellawaresystems.com/is-it-possible-to-use-a-cpap-machine-without-water/

Many CPAP users wake up with an excessively dry mouth, which can be bothersome at best and cause headaches, nosebleeds, or chapped sore lips at worst. A CPAP humidifier, which utilises water to keep your nose and mouth wet and moist while you sleep with your CPAP machine on, can help to reduce these issues.

A CPAP machine collects air from the surroundings and sends it into the mask at a constant pressure. As a result, your nostrils and mouth are under a lot of strain. During this technique, the air in the mask might become dry and cold, producing dryness and chapped lips, especially during the winter months. Side effects include dry mouth, a burning sensation in the nasal canal, and other issues.

Before you take in the compressed air, a CPAP humidifier provides necessary moisture. The humidity level in your space determines the amount of humidifier you should use. It’s usually a good idea to keep an eye on the moisture level in the area where you sleep if you use a CPAP machine.

Low humidity in the CPAP chamber can also induce sneezing and a runny nose. As the nasal canal grows drier, the vascular tissue in the nose secretes mucus as a lubricating mechanism. This results in sneezing and a runny nose. It is not always the case that having a humidifier in the room makes a difference.

Most CPAP machines now come with an integrated humidifier or can be equipped with a separate, detachable humidifier. The humidifier aids in breathing and sleeping, as well as avoiding nasal congestion, sneezing, and other bothersome symptoms.

The CPAP humidifier relies primarily on the heating plate to keep the air heated when water is unavailable, however this cannot function as a stand-alone device and may even destroy the tank. A bad odour has also been noticed by certain customers from a water chamber that isn’t filled with water.

If you use a humidifier, you can’t use your CPAP machine without water.

However, there may be instances when you wake up and discover that the water tank has run dry. The heat settings may need to be modified if this is the case. This happens most of the time when your CPAP machine is set at a high pressure, thus lowering the heat settings should keep the water warm till morning.

Even though you are not using heat to heat the water, using a cpap machine without any water provides moisture to the air. However, determining whether you can survive without humidification is a straightforward process. Remove the humidifier from the equation entirely. Depending on who you are, the amount of moisture in the air you breathe varies.

However, not utilising a humidifier (or using one that isn’t working due to a lack of water) can raise the risk of:

• Infections
• Gum disease
• Nose bleeds
• Inflammation

Originally Posted: https://wellawaresystems.com/cpap-mask-irritating-skin/

A continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machine is a lifesaver for patients who suffer from sleep apnea. All night, CPAPs force air through the airway, preventing apnea episodes in which breathing stops. The CPAP face mask, on the other hand, can cause irritation, which can be particularly severe in patients with sensitive skin. Redness, sores, pimples, blisters, and rashes can be painful as well as irritating. Here are some tips to help you cope with the discomfort of using a CPAP sleep mask.

Is it time to replace your CPAP mask?

If you detect any of the following indicators, it’s time to replace your CPAP sleep mask:

• Dryness
• The worn-out cushion
• Discoloration (yellowing) or other blemishes
• Excessive leaking, or more than usual

Are You Wearing The Incorrect Mask?

CPAP masks aren’t for everyone. There are numerous manufacturers, each of which produces at least a few different models. A full mask that covers the nose and mouth is the most common type of CPAP mask, and you most certainly have one. That is, however, far from the only choice. A CPAP mask that merely fits under your nose is also available. If you have inflammation around your mouth, this is an excellent choice. Another alternative is to obtain a mask that goes all the way around the face, which distributes the mask’s pressure more evenly.

How Well Does Your CPAP Mask Fit?

Masks that don’t fit properly are a major source of irritation issues with CPAP masks. Masks that are either too big or too tiny might cause problems, so be sure yours is the right size before you use it.

Rubbing for eight hours, no matter how gentle, will irritate your skin. If your mask is overly tight, it will irritate your skin by pressing against it and trapping the sweat and oil it produces.

Once you’ve found the right size, you can fine-tune it by adjusting the straps. The straps are usually designed to accommodate most adults, however they may be too short in some circumstances to be comfortable. You may be able to order a custom-sized strap to match your CPAP sleep mask in these cases.

Begin by playing around with your mask. If it’s too tight, loosen it up for a week and see if it helps. Try going a little tighter if it slips around on your face and doesn’t stay in place. With a little trial and error, you might be able to solve your mask problem.

Think About CPAP Mask Hygiene

Oils on your skin could be one factor causing the cushion to slide. Wash your face every night before putting on your CPAP mask to help avoid this from occuring. Applying lotion to your face can have the same effect as having oily skin, causing chaffing as the cushion moves around. A CPAP sleep mask’s fit might be affected by facial hair. If your mask does not fit properly because you have a beard or moustache, consider cutting or removing your facial hair.

Originally posted: https://wellawaresystems.com/best-humidity-level-for-cpap-machine/

Why have a CPAP humidifier?

If you’re already using a CPAP machine and are having problems with nasal dryness, congestion, or discomfort, humidification can assist.

When we breathe regularly, our nose and throat assist in humidifying (moistening and warming) the air we inhale. The body can’t keep up with the increased air flow from the CPAP, which can result in dryness or congestion.

Nasal congestion and dryness of the nose and throat affect up to 40% of CPAP users. Patients may be unable to continue their treatment because of these effects. Humidifiers for CPAPs give moisture and warmth to the air that is delivered by the machine. This will help to alleviate feelings of dryness and congestion, as well as increase overall comfort and compliance.

A CPAP humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air you breathe through your CPAP machine by releasing moisture from a small tank of distilled water. This can help you feel more at peace when using CPAP.

CPAP therapy can cause dry mouth, dry throat, cracked lips, nosebleeds, chest pain, and sinus infections by reducing moisture in the nasal airways. When using CPAP therapy, humidifiers are utilised to give moisture to the air, preventing these difficulties.

Built-in and external humidifiers are the two types of humidifiers available. The CPAP machine includes built-in humidifiers. External humidifiers attach to your CPAP machine as independent components.

You should always check your CPAP machine’s manual or contact the manufacturer for recommendations on which humidifiers are the best options for your machine.

Adjusting humidity levels throughout the year

Humidity levels will need to be adjusted frequently as the seasons change or if a person travels to a different climate. If you’re congested or dry, turn up the humidity (and tube temperature if possible), and if you have any condensation or water in your tube or mask, turn down the humidity (and/or turn up the tube temperature if possible).

Originally posted: https://wellawaresystems.com/does-cpap-stop-snoring/

CPAP treatment is used to help people with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes the person to stop breathing while they are sleeping, because of this, their oxygen levels drop which makes them jolt awake.

Snoring happens when you are sleeping and there is a build-up of mucus or soft tissues in the throat that vibrates as you breathe. Snoring can be stopped by using a cpap machine, because it holds your lower jaw forward which prevents soft tissues from blocking the airway. This article explores if snoring will stop when you use a cpap machine.

Is CPAP therapy effective at reducing or eliminating snoring?

Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Snoring while using a CPAP machine is not typical. If you’re still snoring after many days of using your CPAP mask, consult a sleep specialist. Talk to them about your machine and mask brand to see if there are any adjustments that can be made. Adjusting your CPAP settings on your own is not a good idea.

Snoring due to sleep apnea

People who snore are far more likely to develop thickening of their carotid artery, a condition known as atherosclerosis, according to a recent study conducted at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Thickening of these arteries can significantly reduce blood flow to the brain, weakening artery walls and raising the risk of an aneurysm or stroke.

Although there are a variety of remedies available to help with minor snoring, sufferers should first seek medical advice. If sleep apnea is present during sleep, a simple sleep study can quickly establish this. Furthermore, this will aid in determining whether the condition is mild or chronic, as well as the most likely causes and treatment options. The initial diagnosis will also reflect whether additional sleep testing are required to determine if the person has OSA. What about the person who snores but does not have OSA? So, what can you do to stop snoring?

Sleep apnea and snoring aren’t exclusive, although they go hand in hand. There are many people who snore but don’t have sleep apnea, and the opposite is true as well.

If you’re worried about having sleep apnea, please do ensure that you speak with a medical expert who knows about this condition.

Do I need to maintain my CPAP device? How often to change the CPAP filter? Do I need to clean my nosepiece?
These are some of the most common questions when people first start using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP. 
We’re here to tell you that you need to clean your CPAP equipment regularly and replace specific components. Some of the most common problems you’ll probably face using a poorly maintained device include: 

• Skin irritations such as rashes or pressure sores.
• Aerophagia (the medical term for eating air) leading to gas or bloating.
• Stuffy nose and nose bleeds
• Dry mouth
• Stuff nose
• Mouth, sinus, and lung infections from accumulated germs and bacteria.
• In some cases, more severe health issues such as fatigue, heart arrhythmias, and high blood pressure have been reported when the CPAP device is poorly maintained or used in a defective state.

Below, we’ll discuss how to take good care of your CPAP device. We’ll go over how often to change the CPAP filter and other parts. 

What CPAP Equipment Parts Need Maintenance?

The CPAP Mask

The mask is the part of the device that covers your nose and mouth, depending on your device’s model. It transports pressurized air to the airways. It’s crucial you keep your mask in top condition, as it significantly affects your CPAP machine’s performance. Once you notice any leaks on your mask, or it’s suddenly become uncomfortable — it’s time to replace the mask. You can explore getting a different model if you think it’s uncomfortable due to the mask’s style.

How Often Should You Change the Tubing?

You should replace the tubing after three months of usage. Using it beyond that reduces the efficacy of the CPAP treatment. 

We recommend using distilled water to reduce the risk of bacteria and mineral buildup. 

When Should You Replace the Humidifier Water Chamber? 

Change the water chamber after six months. Within those six months, endeavor to remove and clean the water chamber occasionally. You can do this every thirty days. You should also change the water daily. 

What About the CPAP Device?

Yes, you also need to replace the device at some point. Your device warranty only lasts for one year, so you should consider getting insurance coverage that kicks in once the warranty of your CPAP machine expires. If you travel a lot, the machine will often degrade faster, so you may want to get a backup device. 

When Should You Replace Your CPAP Machine?

The average lifespan of a CPAP machine is 5 – 7 years. So, depending on the frequency of use or exponential improvements in technology, you should aim to replace the device every 3 – 7 years. 

Bottom Line

The filter has a reputation of being the most important CPAP part to clean. But how often to change the CPAP filter depends on the filter you’re using. If you have a foam filter, you can expect to change it every six months. If it’s paper, then every two weeks is best.

However, do not forget to clean and maintain every part of your CPAP machine! The chinstrap is just as important to keep in pristine condition as the tubing.

Keep this guide in mind so your CPAP is always as clean and efficient as possible.