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Ask HN: How do you recharge your batteries?

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Re: Ask HN: How do you recharge your batteries?

#11

Post by nobody9999 »

PartiallyTyped wrote: post #9
nobody9999 wrote: post #6

Is it possible that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)[0]? Being tired all the time and not being able to concentrate are prime indicators of sleep deprivation. I'm biased, as when I was in my late 20s, I was pretty much a walking zombie: tired all the time, unable to concentrate for long periods of time, cranky/irritable, etc. Then, while on vacation with family, my brother noticed that I was gasping for breath…

It is very likely that I have that. I don't think I have the money to purchase a machine for that.

>It is very likely that I have that. I don't think I have the money to purchase a machine for that.

I've continuously had health insurance over this time and I haven't paid (except deductibles and co-pays) a nickel for the four different CPAP machines I've had.

If you really do have OSA, not treating it because "I don't think I have the money" is a poster boy for "penny-wise and pound-foolish."

If I hadn't treated my OSA, I would never have been able to maintain my (relatively) highly-paid career and would most certainly not have been able to live a decent life.

Again, you may not have OSA, but if you do, I don't see how rejecting an effective treatment is a good economic choice.

If you had a brain tumor or a heart valve issue, would you reject treatment because it was too expensive? If the answer is "no," then why reject this (much less expensive) treatment?

If the answer is "yes," then good luck. You're gonna need it.

Edit: Fixed typo.

Re: Ask HN: How do you recharge your batteries?

#12

Post by bg4 »

PartiallyTyped wrote: post #9
nobody9999 wrote: post #6

Is it possible that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)[0]? Being tired all the time and not being able to concentrate are prime indicators of sleep deprivation. I'm biased, as when I was in my late 20s, I was pretty much a walking zombie: tired all the time, unable to concentrate for long periods of time, cranky/irritable, etc. Then, while on vacation with family, my brother noticed that I was gasping for breath…

It is very likely that I have that. I don't think I have the money to purchase a machine for that.

I've been treated for it for over 10 years and can't tolerate the mask anymore. I hate it. I've found some relief with a large sleep wedge, you might try that as low cost temporary alternative. In addition, weight loss if that's also a factor (definitely was for me). I'll try to use mask once a week but I usually tear it off in my sleep.

Re: Ask HN: How do you recharge your batteries?

#13

Post by nobody9999 »

rojeee wrote: post #10
PartiallyTyped wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It is very likely that I have that. I don't think I have the money to purchase a machine for that.

It sounds silly but try sleeping with tape over your mouth to encourage nose breathing. If you do have sleep apnea, while not as effective as a CPAP machine, it might help. Good luck!

> It sounds silly but try sleeping with tape over your mouth to encourage nose breathing. If you do have sleep apnea, while not as effective as a CPAP machine, it might help. Good luck!

It sounds silly because it is siily

OSA generally manifests itself in the throat/trachea and (shocking, I know) all respiration, whether through the nose or mouth must pass through that area. If that area is obstructed, then it doesn't matter whether you breathe through your nose or mouth (in fact, CPAP masks come in a variety of flavors -- nose only, mouth only and mouth/nose).

I'm not trying to be dismissive here, but given the way OSA causes problems in breathing, your "advice" is worse than useless.

Re: Ask HN: How do you recharge your batteries?

#14

Post by PartiallyTyped »

bg4 wrote: post #12
PartiallyTyped wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It is very likely that I have that. I don't think I have the money to purchase a machine for that.

I've been treated for it for over 10 years and can't tolerate the mask anymore. I hate it. I've found some relief with a large sleep wedge, you might try that as low cost temporary alternative. In addition, weight loss if that's also a factor (definitely was for me). I'll try to use mask once a week but I usually tear it off in my sleep.

I have tried all sorts of stuff during sleep, from NCA headphones, to sleeping masks, everything, and I end up removing it all.

Re: Ask HN: How do you recharge your batteries?

#15

Post by spikefromspace »

Sorry to hear you are going through a hard time. I had something similar some years. I was lucky that I could take a couple months off work but sounds like you cannot. Just sharing my experience here but definitely if/when you are able, seek professional advice.

This was what I did for a few months and help me get out of the burnout stage. 1. Ruthless priorities and expectation setting in life. I cut down to 1-2 friends that I would hang out once a week with max. I let my family know that I would be MIA for a bit. Even when I went back to work, I asked for super specific goals from my manager. I expected that I would not achieve anything major in this time period. 2. No alcohol for a while 3. I took sleeping aids to ensure I slept at the same time and woke up at the same time 4. I focused on just a small amount of meditation and low intensity exercise like walks 5. I decided on 1 guilty pleasure that I was allowed to do a couple times a week. For me, it was eating super unhealthy delicious food.

Re: Ask HN: How do you recharge your batteries?

#16

Post by srvmshr »

1. Just a suggestion: How about trying some mindfulness exercises? I realized I could focus better after 15-20 minutes of meditation. I am sure something similar might be available given how popular meditation is nowadays. You could try the headspace app - AFAIK, there are 10 (3~8 min) free short sessions. You can build up on that.

2. Also please open up to a core group of friends. That works as good as counseling. Knowing a bunch of people whom you could share your life dramatically reduces stress. Its a support mechanism as human beings are inherently social. Take up the courage to talk to your instructors about academic difficulties. You'd be surprised how willing academic people are to go the extra mile.

One thing to remember: We're always alone. Our existence is atomic in a way - an independent event & you are your best help. It is a hard fact to swallow. No matter how social we are, our lives are our own to live. We try to find meaning to our existence but no one will really understand you 100% & your trials and tribulations - not even your parents. If you are in a tough spot, only you can pull yourself out of the dumps by conscious efforts & bold decisions. Take deep breaths, build your courage up and fight your way out. Lot of people reading your story will be rooting for you!

Re: Ask HN: How do you recharge your batteries?

#17

Post by rojeee »

nobody9999 wrote: post #13
rojeee wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It sounds silly but try sleeping with tape over your mouth to encourage nose breathing. If you do have sleep apnea, while not as effective as a CPAP machine, it might help. Good luck!

> It sounds silly but try sleeping with tape over your mouth to encourage nose breathing. If you do have sleep apnea, while not as effective as a CPAP machine, it might help. Good luck! It sounds silly because it is siily OSA generally manifests itself in the throat/trachea and (shocking, I know) all respiration, whether through the nose or mouth must pass through that area. If that area is obstructed , then it doesn…

Alright, chill out mate! I'm just taking this from a book I read called "breath". The author did this and suggested it fixed his sleep apnea. Also, for what it's worth, I tape my mouth if I have a cold/hay fever and it stops me snoring if my nose isn't too inflamed.

Re: Ask HN: How do you recharge your batteries?

#18

Post by bg4 »

PartiallyTyped wrote: post #14
bg4 wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've been treated for it for over 10 years and can't tolerate the mask anymore. I hate it. I've found some relief with a large sleep wedge, you might try that as low cost temporary alternative. In addition, weight loss if that's also a factor (definitely was for me). I'll try to use mask once a week but I usually tear it off in my sleep.

I have tried all sorts of stuff during sleep, from NCA headphones, to sleeping masks, everything, and I end up removing it all.

The point of the wedge is to discourage your airway from being blocked. Fwiw, it was recommended to me by my sleep doctor until I was able to complete the process of sleep test and receive/fitted for machine and mask. If you don't have insurance which would cover all of that you should consider it.
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