Forget to breathe while awake

03 Nov 2024 by Alex Raeburn Technology Productivity Energy Efficiency 11min read 6comments Discover the surprising benefits of keeping your computer awake beyond just productivity, and learn how it can enhance performance, energy efficiency, and more. You might be wondering, “Why on earth would I want to keep my computer awake?” Well, the answer might surprise you! While many people focus solely on productivity, there’s a treasure trove of benefits just waiting to be discovered. Let’s dive in and explore those hidden gems that come with keeping your computer as lively as a caffeinated squirrel.First off, let’s talk about updates and downloads. We’ve all been there—waiting for a critical software update or a hefty file download, only for our computer to nod off mid-task. By keeping your computer awake, you ensure that these processes continue uninterrupted, making sure you’re always up to date and ready to roll without those pesky “update required” messages popping up at the worst possible times.Secondly, if you’re a fan of remote access, having an awake computer is like having a trusty sidekick ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re accessing files from another device or managing tasks from afar, an awake computer ensures seamless connectivity and saves you from the dreaded “offline” notification.Let’s not forget about those who dabble in the world of digital creativity. Rendering videos, compiling code, or processing large datasets can be time-consuming. An awake computer can tackle these hefty tasks without interruption, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your projects rather than twiddling your thumbs waiting for a progress bar to inch forward.Moreover, keeping your computer awake can be a boon for network-connected devices. Think of your computer as the heartbeat of your smart home, facilitating communication between various gadgets. When it’s awake, it

Sleep apnea patients usually use their CPAP machine while sleeping. However, you may be wondering if you can get CPAP therapy also while you’re awake. Especially if you want to get used to the machine or you are suffering from an advanced type of sleep apnea or additional respiratory diseases like COPD.We’re going to clear up whether there is any benefit to getting your continuous positive airway pressure therapy while awake.Can I Use a CPAP Machine when I'm Awake?The short answer is yes, you can. However, this depends on whether you experience sleep apnea or other breathing disorders during the day.Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes your breathing to stop and start again multiple times a night. It can be a serious health problem since it can decrease oxygen levels in important organs, such as the brain and heart.Even if this sleeping disorder is not diagnosed early on , some of the symptoms include headaches, excessive weakness, daytime sleepiness, and irritability.Sleep apnea can also lead to more serious medical conditions that can impact your quality of life, like a higher risk of strokes and other cardiovascular complications.Most physicians recommend CPAP therapy, which is considered one of the most effective treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CPAP devices provide air pressure through a CPAP mask, allowing your upper airway to stay open while you sleep.When is Daytime CPAP Usage Advisable?If you breathe properly while awake or during naps, there’s no reason to receive CPAP treatment in the daytime. However, other related conditions can lead to high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, just like in COPD (chronic bronchitis or emphysema) where patients usually present with difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and sputum production.In these cases a healthcare provider could recommend using APAP or CPAP therapy during the day, that way there is an increased and easier uptake of oxygen from your lungs.In specific cases some doctors recommend wearing it while watching TV, using the computer, or reading a book. Even if you do not experience breathing problems during the day, it’s a great way to get comfortable with your CPAP mask, giving you a better sense of the fit and helping you get familiar with it before going to bed.Keep in mind that although CPAP machines are safe, overuse of the equipment has its side effects such as dry mouth or facial skin irritation, especially if you use it during the day and night.The best way to reduce and prevent many of these side effects is by using a good humidifier, cleaning the machine and choosing the right mask for your individual needs and preferences.Daytime Sleep Apnea: Symptoms, Risks & TreatmentIt’s important to clarify that people with sleep apnea usually have trouble breathing only at night, but in some uncommon and advanced types of patients with sleep apnea, they could also have trouble breathing while awake.If you suffer from central sleep apnea, you may feel sleepy during the day or suffer from frequent headaches due to a constantly interrupted

Sleep cycle. Other issues you may notice are an inability to concentrate for a certain period of time , as well as fatigue general weakness. This may also be a sign of underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure.If you’re not breathing correctly, you might need to be seen by a physician to orientate your treatment or take a home sleep test. Maybe you could still benefit from using a CPAP machine. However, in order for the CPAP therapy to work correctly, you must have the correct air pressure setting on your CPAP device prescribed by a sleep medicine doctor.Benefits of Using CPAP while AwakeAs we already discussed, CPAP machines are useful tools for treating sleep apnea during the night, but it can also be used during the day if breathing difficulties exist.The benefits of using a CPAP while awake can become evident in as little as a single day and night. After not breathing well for an extended period of time, you will notice a positive change in your quality of life. Some of the benefits include:- Reduce excessive amounts of carbon dioxide in the blood and improve oxygen saturation in many pulmonary and central nervous system conditions.- The airflow pressure will clear the obstruction that’s making it difficult for you to breathe.- Alleviate bothersome symptoms like fatigue and dyspnea (labored breathing).- Wearing a CPAP mask during the day eases the transition to get accustomed to a CPAP mask, making it easier to sleep, benefiting those with claustrophobia or anxiety.- Enhances awareness by promoting proper breathing and increases oxygen delivery to the brain. Can potentially replace night treatment if the doctor approves so.- Being useful if your bed partner is disturbed by your CPAP machine at night. Remember that most new CPAP machines are not noisy at all in case you need to be treated during the night too.- Can help you familiarize yourself with CPAP Machines and CPAP masks , reducing voluntary non-compliance, a recurring issue that happens when you’re uncomfortable wearing a CPAP mask during the night.In order for you to get fully accustomed to your CPAP treatment, you should choose a CPAP mask that works for you.Recommendations for Using CPAP Machine During the DayAlthough a CPAP machine can be a bit inconvenient bulky for regular use when you’re awake, if you’re able to stay in one place, you will be able to use one.Whether you’re using it to address breathing problems while awake or to become more well-adjusted to using it at night, here a few recommendations:Find the right mask:There are three types of cpap masks you can choose from: full-face masks, nasal masks, and nasal pillow masks. They have different features for different types of patients. Make sure the mask fit and the headgear is comfortable and that you’re able to move around in your bed without any discomfort.Change the body position: Wearing your CPAP mask while lying down (without falling asleep) can aid in acclimating to how the mask fits while in a