Morning Routines: Embracing the Start of the Day Despite Sleep Apnea

Many of us grapple with the challenges of waking up in the morning, but for individuals dealing with severe conditions like sleep apnea, the struggle is even more pronounced. In this article, we delve into the experiences and routines of someone living with sleep apnea, exploring how they navigate the early hours of the day.

Understanding the Impact of Sleep Apnea

Sleep is a crucial part of our daily routine, and for those living with severe sleep apnea, mornings can be particularly grueling. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions can lead to a range of symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. In the mornings, individuals with sleep apnea often wake up feeling as though they haven't slept at all.

Returning to the Early Morning Struggles

The impact of sleep apnea can be profound, making early mornings a particularly challenging time. The author of this article, sharing their experiences, highlights how sleep apnea affects their daily life. In the morning, they describe feeling groggy, desiring to return to sleep, and having a deeply thoughtful, over-functioning brain. These experiences can extend to moments of silence, where their roommates are still sleeping. Even when someone close to them tries to engage, the person with sleep apnea may want to be left in peace.

Personal Experiences in Different Locations

Travel further emphasizes the challenges of living with sleep apnea. When the author was in India, their youngest brother mocked them for appearing disgusted with the world after waking up. This example underscores the universal nature of the struggle, even in vastly different cultural contexts.

Nightly Treatments and Daily Resilience

Despite the challenges, the author has taken steps to manage their condition. They are early in their nightly treatments with BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) equipment, a device that provides positive pressure air through the airways to keep the airways open during sleep. The author emphasizes their efforts to make the most of each day, ensuring that they try to live their best life, despite their condition.

Positive Morning Attitudes

Despite the fatigue from sleep apnea, mornings can be a time of positive reflection and planning. The author shares that their initial reaction is to start the day with a positive attitude. They mentally plan their schedule and use this time to maximize their energy. Being an early riser, they have the advantage of having maximum energy at the beginning of the day, allowing them to complete their chores with ease.

Building a Routine

Their daily routine follows a specific pattern, aligning with their energy levels. After getting up, they make coffee and contemplate life before going downstairs. Smoking a cigarette on the balcony for a few minutes helps them transition, followed by their daily routine of prayer and bible study. This routine provides a sense of peace and purpose, preparing them to face the challenges of the day.

Challenges and Rewards

For individuals with sleep apnea, mornings can be both peaceful and tiring. The author, who starts their day at half 5 AM for work that begins at 7 AM, finds themselves shattered by the evening. This highlights the significant physical and mental toll that sleep apnea can take. However, the morning routines help them combat their early hours’ challenges and are a reward in themselves for the structured and mindful approach they take to each day.

Conclusion

Living with severe sleep apnea can make mornings a particularly difficult time. However, by focusing on positive attitudes, structured routines, and daily resilience, individuals can navigate these challenges with grace. Whether starting the day with a positive plan or enjoying quiet moments, these routines can transform the early morning into a productive and peaceful time.