Happy Friday everyone! We have a treat for you this week, as Max from our Sleep Matters community has kindly sent us a video of his health journey. Max explains that after months of poor quality sleep, he posted his symptoms in the Sleep Matters community, where another member suggested he should get checked out for sleep apnea. Watch the video for more. Do you have a similar experience that you'd like to share? Get in touch with me in the email below or send me a DM
I’ve also posted the transcript of the video, if you'd prefer to read Max's story.
“Hi, my name's Max Kenny and I'm a member of the Sleep Matters community. A typical night for me, would be getting up 4 or 5 times during the sleep period to go to the toilet. This lasted for about 12 months before I actually went to the doctors. I went to the doctors and he did all the necessary obvious checks; everything seemed okay. He did suggest some tablets to stop me going to the toilet but I declined because I'm on medication for atrial fibrillation, so we agreed we would leave it for 3 months, and I would not have anything to drink after 7 o clock at night. I don't drink alcohol, but it was hot chocolates and tea.
After 3 months, no real improvement other than I spotted one night when I woke up and decided to check my blood pressure. My normal rate was 120/80 but when I woke up it was 160/90. I checked this for a month, keeping a record of it and sometimes it would go even higher. I was feeling tired all the time during the day as you can probably imagine. I was needing to sleep at lunchtimes in the car, or in the park, or wherever. Watching television I'd fall asleep even at the cinema I'd fall asleep. It was awful really. I then decided to look online and I was pointed in the direction of HealthUnlocked. I posted my symptoms and within 12 hours I had about 25 replies, and one of them struck a chord with me - it said, had I thought of getting checked out for sleep apnea. And to be honest, I haven't really ever heard of sleep apnea. So, I went to the doctors, booked in to go to the sleep clinic and I had a sleep test during the night. It was discovered I was having 68 episodes every hour so it was classified as severe. I was immediately put on a CPAP machine.
I joined HealthUnlocked over 12 months ago and Sleep Matters about 2 months ago. It really has helped me, sharing my symptoms it's been a life-changer; it really has. I'm eternally grateful for that person that pointed me in the right direction. Sleep apnea I think is grossly underestimated I'm 5 foot 7 and 78kilo so I'm not classified as overweight, and maybe that's why it was overlooked, for many years actually. Undoubtedly, people should realise, by sharing there will be an answer. It may not be 100% a cure, but it will help without a doubt.”
If you are having trouble falling asleep, or maintaining quality sleep, join the Sleep Matters community for tips, advice and support from people who understand: healthunlocked.com/sleep-ma...
----
Max has given us consent to share his health journey.
----
Stories on HealthUnlocked have an incredible way of raising awareness around certain conditions, as well as inspiring people who might be in the same situation as you. Would you like to share your health journey? Email me at communications@healthunlocked.com
xo,
Leilah