Day 1:
I suffer from sleep apnea. I decided to do something about it. First I went to my doctor, he has signed me up for testing. That was 3 weeks ago now, and I'm tired of waiting. I don't want him to help me with it, his resources are a bit harsh. But I would like a bench mark. Let's pretend that the test finds my blood oxygen saturation level goes down to 80% during the night. I could start there and measure my progress. Unfortunately the testing process is slow.
Sleep apnea is a condition where the individual stops breathing during sleep. The individual is forced to wake, breath, and get back to sleep. There are a couple problems caused by this. First, I don't get a nice sleep, and I'm usually always tired. I have been able to perfect catnaps, limited to 15 minute coffee breaks and 30 minute lunch breaks, I can rejuvinate myself quite well.
The second problem, is that my blood oxygen saturation level could be dropped severly over the night. 95% is a normal average. Individuals with the sleep apnea condition can be as low 59% is some extreme cases. This is a dangerous condition, because the body is not able to rehabilitate over the night.
I read an article in a science magazine that found playing the digereedoo musical instrument excercises and tones the muscles in the throat that collapse during the night. The test cases were successfully able to resolve the sleep apnea condition. There's only one draw back. Playing the digereedoo for 30-45 minutes a day. It's still an option.
I am a yogi in the smallest way. I enjoy classes, and my instructors have been wonderful but (excuse goes here) I don't do it as much as I want. But I'm aware of it and respect yoga greatly.
So I'm reading about Pranayama, and I am thinking this might be right up my ally. If only there was an online pranayama course. Imagine my suprise when one of my personal favorite instructors teaches the course. Kavita must have sensed my need and filled it. I am so grateful.
So Day 1. I joined YogaYak.com. and I've reviewed the course. I will practice the course daily before bed.
Namaste
