Is Meditation Harmful to CPAP Users? by CPAPClinic

 

 

(NOTE – The following is a referenced list from external sources. The sources contributing to this article can be found at the end of this post)

 

A study in 2000 revealed practicing meditation and breathing techniques effectively increases levels of melatonin, a hormone that assists in stabilizing sleep patterns.

Combining meditation practices with CPAP therapy is a growing trend. Plus, there has been no evidence to suggest this combination is anything but beneficial.

A basic (suggested) approach is to meditate into a state of relaxation before sleeping and subsequently using CPAP to cap off a complete night’s sleep.

 

 

So let’s proceed.

Meditating is an immediate tool used to center yourself and come into the present moment. It can also create a challenge because there may be resistance to remain still, and do nothing.

Even for a couple of minutes at a time, meditating has profound effects. The innumerable health benefits of consecutive meditation practice include lowering your heart rate and lowering stress. If you are interested, consider these entry-level meditations.

First seek a quiet, comfortable place to settle down. Start with your eyes closed. Experiment with each or all of the following five easy meditations.

 

The Methods:;

1. Counting

Count backward from 100, restarting every time you lose track. Don’t attach to forgetting your place; simply start over and keep counting down. Remember, there is no right or wrong — it’s all meditating!

2. Visualization

Concentrate on a single face, place, color, etc. Allow your mind to clear and focus on a single image. Your partner’s face. A peaceful green field. A cookie. You get the idea. Notice how this makes you feel.

3. Mantra

Develop a personal mantra such as, “I am grateful for …” As the Buddha said, “Better than a thousand hollow words, is the word that brings peace.” Silently repeat your mantra and allow your mind to clear as you focus on a single phrase.

 

More methods

 

4. Pranayama & Square Breathing

Practice yoga breathing, or Pranayama, aka the “life force” we all know as our breath. Inhale and exhale through your nostrils only, cultivating your Ujjayi breath, a common practice of Pranayama. Let the air drag over the back of your throat to create a low, ocean-like sound on the inhale and exhale. Once you’re warmed up, segue into square breathing: Inhale for four counts, hold for two and exhale for four. Repeat for two to three minutes.

5. Alternate Nostril Breathing

Keep your Ujjayi breath and incorporate alternate nostril breathing into your Pranayama practice. Close your left nostril with your right ring finger. Inhale for four counts (through the right nostril only), hold for two (close right nostril with the thumb), and exhale for four (through the left nostril only). Repeat for two to three minutes.

Start with any of these meditations and gradually incorporate them into your nightly ritual with CPAP therapy.

Suggested sequence is:

1) Meditation of choice

2) Sleep off with CPAP

 

Your night sleep just might improve even more than before. Please see the references below for further information.

 

Questions?

Call 1.877.430.2727 for help.

Written and Edited by Bill Bistak B Sc.,SEO/SEM Spc, CRT

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References:

Chicago
5 Beginner Meditations To Help You Relax & Sleep Better .., http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-17238/5-beginner-meditations-to-help-you-relax-sl (accessed June 11, 2015).

MLA
“5 Beginner Meditations To Help You Relax &amp; Sleep Better …” Insert Name of Site in Italics. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jun. 2015 <http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-17238/5-beginner-meditations-to-help-you-relax-sl>.

APA
Natural Sleep Apnea Solutions | Sleep Apnea Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sleep-apnea-guide.com/sleep-apnea-solutions.html

http://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/meditation-mindfulness-master-offer-sleep-help-during-virtual-support-session

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/wc/katie-chamberlain