In our pursuit of wellness, sleep often takes a backseat despite its vital role in rejuvenating our bodies and minds. My journey towards better self-care began with a simple realization: it’s not just about the number of hours we spend sleeping, but the actual quality of our sleep that truly matters.

A pivotal moment in my quest for answers to daily migraines led me to undergo an in-home sleep study, revealing startling truths about my sleep patterns. Despite averaging nine hours of sleep each night, I discovered I was deprived of crucial REM and deep sleep stages – both averaging less than 40 minutes each night. It actually explained why I don’t remember dreaming; I most likely do not get enough REM sleep to dream.

The study also uncovered a serious concern—my oxygen levels plummeted to alarming lows of 78% during the night, prompting the prescription of a CPAP machine. I don’t suffer from a blockage, but from hypopnea, a condition characterized by shallow breathing. While the CPAP has improved my REM sleep, nearly doubling the amount I get each night!

An unexpected side effect of the CPAP and increased REM sleep is that I now experience incredibly vivid dreams. These dreams are so realistic that they often blur the lines between reality and fantasy. For instance, I might dream I’m standing on an oceanfront, feeling the sand between my toes and the salty air on my skin, only to realize that my CPAP mask has shifted and the air is actually blowing across my face. Another time, I dreamt I was struggling to remove a stubborn shoe, and in my frustration, I kicked my foot so hard that I launched my five-pound chihuahua, Loki, off the bed! These dreams are not only vivid but also immersive, making it difficult to recognize that I am dreaming.

My quest for quality slumber continues. Unlike many who use a CPAP machine to address obstructive sleep apnea, my issue is unrelated to blockages. Instead, I struggle with shallow breathing, which may be linked to my fluctuating blood pressure levels. Normally a consistent 90/60, my blood pressure skyrocketed to 147/85 with the onset of migraines in February—a significant spike for me. Now, I must take blood pressure medication to stabilize my levels, recognizing that dramatic fluctuations can be indicative of underlying health issues. In my case, it’s just one more piece of a complex puzzle that underscores the importance of prioritizing self-care, especially when it comes to sleep quality and overall health.

Poor sleep quality and quantity can have far-reaching consequences. Impaired cognitive function, for instance, can lead to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making – things that I have been struggling with since February. A weakened immune response can make us more susceptible to illnesses, from the common cold to more serious diseases, which might explain why I caught Covid-19 more than anyone else in my family. Moreover, chronic sleep deprivation is linked to a heightened risk of developing conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. By neglecting our sleep, we risk compromising our overall well-being.

The journey to fix a broken sleep pattern, spanning a decade in my case, resembles the personalized approach to nutrition—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. By sharing my story, I hope that I inspire others like me to prioritize their sleep and overall well-being. Don’t take your sleep for granted like I did.