Was Your New Year Resolution to Get A Better Night’s Sleep?

How to Get More ZZZ’s in 2015

Did you often wake up tired during 2014? Did your snoring wake others up? Maybe you have sleep apnea. Some 20 million Americans have it – yet most have not been diagnosed. Now is a good time to resolve to correct the situation.

With that goal in mind, National Sleep Therapy (NST) is ringing in 2015 with a special New Year edition of ‘CPAP Talk – Live!’ on Wednesday, January 7 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET (see www.nstherapy.com). ‘CPAP Talk –Live!’ is a unique, free virtual support session for anyone who has (or thinks they have) sleep apnea. The town-hall-style forums are held on the first Wednesday of each month. (To participate: Just prior to the session, call 1-800.204.6655, enter access code 342-2187#. It’s anonymous!)

NST President and program host Eric Cohen is extending a special invitation to new CPAP users: “If you’re new to CPAP and have questions, or you’re an experienced user and would like to share your best tips or words of encouragement to help others, please join the conversation. Or you can just listen and learn -- It’s like a gathering of friends -- and it’s anonymous.” A CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) uses gentle airflow to keep airways open that enables deep sleep.

In December, 24 people from 11 states participated in a fun and informative discussion about new devices and helpful hints to help people get more ZZZ’s. Healthcare professionals often join in, offering their insights. Cohen says, “Every month we all learn something new. In a recent session, participants learned how to avoid water in the hose, how often to clean and replace equipment, how to combat dry mouth, and many other common CPAP issues.”

If sleep apnea is indicated during a sleep test, CPAP therapy can be prescribed by a physician. While snoring is a common indication of sleep apnea, chronic fatigue can be a more subtle red flag. Ignoring chronic fatigue can exacerbate high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and/or weight gain, as well as the likelihood of highway or workplace accidents. Untreated, lack of deep sleep can lead to a lower quality of life and even a shorter life expectancy.

During each session, NST gives away a $25 gift card to one participant. For more information: 888.867.8840 or support@nstherapy.com. To participate: Use the link to register and ask a question to the group, or offer a special tip. To participate: Just prior to the session, call 1-800.204.6655, enter access code 342-2187# and you’re immediately part of the group call.