Silly/surprising side-benefits of sleeping with a CPAP:
* can pull covers over head and still breathe
* no more waking up dry+thirsty (humidified air, nose instead of mouth)
* reduced stuffiness from allergies (air filtered right before inhalation)
* elephant cosplay
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On a more serious note, I've wondered a few times how much global productivity could be unlocked if everyone with unexplained daytime drowsiness got polysomnography to check for mild apnea. $10^11/yr wouldn't surprise me. I was drowsy during the day for *years* before realizing.
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Heh me too 😴
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At-home polysomnography for all! I've talked to people who *realize* that apnea may be their problem, but they don't want to deal with going into a sleep center etc—and they don't realize they don't even have to do that anymore!
is there more to it than logging pO2 overnight?
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I would describe it as "somewhat" uncomfortable. Certainly not pleasant, no, but not a big deal to sleep with for one night.
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It really should be an OTC non-prescription device without need for testing at all. Just try it and see if it works to combat drowsiness. If not return the machine, treat the headgear as a consumable cost. Cheaper than a full sleep study.
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I mean, it’s not a complex intervention. Even if the diagnosis is subtle. Trying it should be like trying out a new diet or workout routine. We don’t do subtle instrumented testing before deciding to try running for a few weeks. The gross indicators change dramatically enough.
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My sleep centre experiences were beyond terrible. Having the CPAP has been hugely positive and worth it, though.
The bigger issue for me? I was diagnosed with apnea ~7 years ago. CPAP was a pain in the ass, and wasn’t convinced it meant I fully improved my energy, so stopped using it entirely
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*wasn’t convinced it meaningfully improved my energy
When I first got diagnosed they just used blood oxiometry, not sure if that was the right approach...