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My Journey to Better Sleep and a Better Life

My name is Andrew Brewer and I’m the practice manager here at Oak Health Center. This is my story of how I improved my sleep quality and how it’s changed my quality of life.

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea at forty years old. I am typically not a snorer (according to my wife), and I was used to getting between 4.5-6 hours of sleep on a nightly basis. I have been able to function with this type of sleep schedule for decades. I participate in physical activity 4-5 times a week and eat healthily enough that my doctor doesn’t give me much of a hard time – but I could lose some weight! When Dr. Alison Kole joined our practice to provide personalized sleep coaching for our patients, I was not concerned by how many hours of sleep I was getting on a night-to-night basis. I connected with her because I wanted to stop waking up multiple times a night and needed help falling asleep faster.

The Toll of Four Hours of Sleep

Imagine your body as a high-performance vehicle. Just like this machine needs the right fuel and maintenance to run smoothly, your body requires quality sleep to operate at its best. Now picture running on only four hours of shut-eye a night – it’s like trying to win a race with your gas tank nearly empty. The consequences? Your mental engine starts to stutter. Concentration, memory, and the ability to make smart decisions all take a hit. But it doesn’t stop there. Over time, skimping on sleep shifts from being an occasional speed bump to a full-blown roadblock for your health. The risk of heavy-hitters like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even depression zooms up. Your immune system, which should be your personal bodyguard against infections, begins to falter under the pressure. And let’s not overlook the emotional toll – stress levels may skyrocket while patience wears thin, turning everyday annoyances into major frustrations. In essence, treating sleep as an afterthought rather than a priority can steer you towards a path you’d rather avoid. It’s about more than just feeling rested; it’s about keeping your whole system in winning form – mentally, physically, and emotionally.

These were not things I felt applied to me. I felt “good enough” with the sleep that I was getting. After a few sessions with Dr. Kole, I was getting better at going to sleep faster. But staying asleep was still an issue. She strongly encouraged me to participate in an at-home sleep study.

The Convenience of At-Home Sleep Studies

In today’s fast-paced world, the convenience of at-home sleep studies offers a significant advantage for those struggling with sleep disorders. Unlike traditional in-lab sleep studies, which require an overnight stay in a clinical setting, at-home sleep studies allow individuals to remain in the comfort of their own bedroom. This method not only reduces anxiety associated with sleeping in an unfamiliar environment but also provides a more accurate representation of typical sleep patterns.

My at-home sleep study was straightforward. After consulting with Dr. Kole, I received a portable monitoring device from the office. This device, small and easy to use, measured vital sleep indicators such as heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and body position during sleep. All participants, including myself, wear the device according to instructions—usually for one to two nights—before returning it for analysis. The results offer valuable insights into sleep health, guiding further treatment options. For me, it would change how I looked at my sleep forever.

My Secret Sleep Apnea

I was wrong. I do snore, just not very much. That was not my problem. My sleep study shined a light on the fact that every minute, my oxygen levels dip below 90% and in response to that, my heart rate jumps to 110 beats per minute to increase blood flow to my brain. My resting heart rate when I was sleeping was around 37 beats per minute. So to summarize, 61 times an hour my heart rate would vacillate between 37 beats per minute and 110 beats per minute. When I jokingly told Dr. Kole that my heart must be “very strong” she said, “No Andrew, your heart is overworking. That’s not good.” Fun quirk about my sleep, I have more restricted air flow on my side than on my back. Apparently that’s not the norm.

After the Diagnosis

Once I got my diagnosis it was easy. Dr. Kole connected me with a local office that would provide me with an APAP (similar to CPAP but newer technology that automatically adjusts the airflow you receive instead of having to manually set it) within two weeks. They brought me in and had me try on a variety masks and nasal pillows to see what would feel best for me (I chose nasal pillows). It took me a few weeks to get used to it but now, I consistently sleep between 7-8 hours a night – a far cry from the 4.5 hour nights I was getting for years.

The Ripple Effect of Restorative Sleep

The positive impacts of good sleep ripple through every aspect of your day-to-day life. Physically, it strengthens the immune system, reducing susceptibility to illness and speeding up recovery when you’re sick. Quality sleep also plays a crucial role in weight management by regulating hormones that control appetite. Furthermore, it improves heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. On a social level, being well-rested enhances interpersonal relationships; you’re more patient, understanding, and present with loved ones. The transformative power of good sleep is undeniable—it’s an essential ingredient for a fulfilling life.

I have been using my machine for over six months, now. I feel like a completely different person. I sometimes wonder how many people are like me who feel “fine” with their sleep quality and schedule but could be doing so much more with more restful nights.

Begin Your Journey to Restorative Sleep Today

Maybe you’re like me and you’ve become accustomed to limited and/or poor sleep. Or maybe you have anxiety-induced insomnia. Maybe you have been told by your spouse or partner that you snore severely, and you’ve just accepted it as a normal part of your life.

Consider meeting with a sleep professional like Dr. Kole. Dr. Kole is a board-certified expert in Sleep Medicine, Pulmonology, and Critical Care. She is the founding director of the Oak Health Center Sleep Program. She works with our group because she sees how closely good mental health and good sleep go together.

Not sure if it’s a good fit? You can schedule a complimentary review of services with Dr. Kole and see if working with her and the rest of our team is right for you. Click here to book an appointment with Dr. Kole today.

Andrew Brewer is the practice manager for Oak Health Center. He shared his experience to help educate other individuals who may struggle with sleep with way he did and connect them to potential resources that may be of service. He is not a medical professional and reminds any readers to seek the advice of a professional while considering any treatment plan.

Dr. Alison Kole, outside of her role as medical director of the Sleep Program at Oak Health Center, can be found at www.askthesleepmd.com. Her podcast, Sleep is My Waking Passion, is a love letter to her passion for quality sleep health.