Why Is Good Sleep Important: Insights from AnsibleChat
In the AnsibleChat session that took place on November 13th, 2023, participants discussed the importance of sleep and how it can be affected by various factors such as lung disease, pain, and anxiety. The conversation touched upon the use of CPAP machines, sleep stages, and the impact of medications on sleep.
Audra Doyle, a nurse practitioner at Ansible Health, shared that people with lung disease often struggle with sleep due to difficulty in breathing. She explained that the diaphragm muscle helps with breathing, but when it is flat due to hyperinflated lungs, it becomes difficult to take deep breaths during sleep.
Doyle also discussed how age and hormone changes can affect sleep patterns. Sleep disorders can start around the age of 40-45 due to hormone changes in both men and women. This can lead to issues such as waking up frequently during the night or having difficulty falling asleep. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine, keeping a cooler room temperature, avoiding heavy meals close to bedtime, and exercising regularly are some ways to improve sleep quality.
Participants shared their experiences with sleep apnea and the use of CPAP machines. Some found relief and better sleep quality after using the machines, while others took time to adjust to wearing masks and dealing with noise. One participant mentioned that both her quality of sleep and duration of sleep have improved since she started using the CPAP machine, and she is now able to get a full 8 hours of sleep per night. "Prior to that I was lucky if I got 4 or 5 [hours of sleep], but it was always interrupted."
It was also noted that certain medications can impact sleep. For example, diuretics can cause frequent bathroom trips during the night, thus disrupting sleep. It is essential to discuss any sudden changes in sleep patterns with healthcare providers to determine if medication adjustments are necessary.
The conversation also touched upon the importance of addressing anxiety as a factor affecting sleep. Participants shared their experiences and strategies for managing anxiety through prayer and faith, as well as through learning breathing techniques and meditation. The group will continue the conversation about effective techniques for anxiety management in the upcoming AnsibleChat session on November 27th, 2023. In this next session titled "Breath and Panic Control," we will hear from our AnsibleHealth Medical Director Victor Tseng on the importance of breath for panic control techniques.
Sign up below - we hope to see you there!
