So, when’s the last time you got a good night’s sleep? I’m not just talking about occasionally closing your eyes and dozing off — I mean one long, beautiful, uninterrupted REM session. If you have to think about it, chances are you’ve been deprived of a basic human necessity. As it stands, millions of Americans suffer from some form of sleeping disorder and the side-effects can range from short-term concentration issues to long-term heart disease and mood disorders. Yikes! Fortunately, there are tried and tested solutions available to you. CPAP masks or used CPAP machines are just some of the options you can try to encourage a better night’s sleep and get the proper health you deserve. Let’s take a look.

Common Signs

While you shouldn’t rely purely on conjecture, it doesn’t hurt to get you started on the right track. Common signs of a sleeping disorder include, but aren’t limited to — having trouble falling or staying asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, concentration issues, irritability, lethargy, sore muscles and increased tendency toward illness. Your body’s natural way of healing involves achieving a consistent REM cycle on a regular basis, after all, and disrupting this flow can lead to serious issues down the road.

Main Demographics

While anyone can suffer from a sleeping disorder, certain demographics are more prone to this problem than others. Sleep apnea is almost twice as common in men compared to women, while older populations have a higher propensity for a sleeping disorder than younger groups. Mental illness and stressful life factors can also contribute to disruptive sleep patterns. According to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, around 38,000 deaths occur on an annual basis relating to sleep apnea. These side-effects may seem small now, but they shouldn’t be ignored for their long-term ramifications.

Side-Effects

While it can be tempting to pop some over-the-counter sleep aids and call it a night, it’s highly recommended by doctors across the country you get a diagnosis if you suspect a deeper problem. There are multiple long-term emotional and physical side-effects associated with an untreated sleeping disorder like sleep apnea, after all, and you don’t need more on your plate! Studies have shown untreated sleep apnea suffers to be three times as likely to have heart problems than those who don’t, which is nothing to say of additional risks such as stroke and asthma. One in 50 individuals go their entire lives undiagnosed — could you be one of them?

CPAP Machine

Meeting with your regular doctor or contacting a sleep specialist can help determine if you need to try CPAP technology. Short for ‘continuous positive airway pressure’, they’re designed to open up your passageways and encourage a more consistent breathing pattern when you lay down to rest. Used CPAP machines are gaining favor for their more affordable price without sacrificing quality, though you can always try CPAP mask pillows if you need comfortable sleep on the go.

Getting A Diagnosis

If you suspect you have a sleeping disorder, contacting a professional and getting a check-up is your first stop on your journey to regular good sleep. Bring your regular schedule to your appointment, as well as any irregular factors in your life, to help ensure your analysis is an accurate one. From there they’ll decide if used CPAP machines or bipap masks are the right option for you, alongside additional factors like therapy or medication. Tired of not getting enough sleep? With used CPAP machines or a CPAP mask, you can finally experience what it’s like not to be tired for once.