Alicia Mccarvell says she's trying out a CPAP machine to help with her sleep — what to know
Mccarvell shared a bedtime selfie with the mask on.
Alicia Mccarvell is introducing her fans to her CPAP Machine.
On Monday, the Canadian influencer advocated for her sleep health by introducing her followers to a crucial tool in managing sleep apnea, a common sleep-related breathing disorder.
Mccarvell revealed in a story she's now using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Here's what you need to know.
What is a CPAP machine?
The CPAP machine serves as the primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, according to Healthline. It delivers a constant stream of air through a mask, preventing airway collapse during sleep — this "keeps your airways open and helps you breathe normally."
How does the CPAP machine work?
The CPAP machine involves the use of a sleep mask that maintains an open airway through continuous pressure. The mask, worn over the nose or both nose and mouth, delivers pressurized air into those airways.
"As you sleep, the airstream from the CPAP machine pushes against any blockages, opening your airways so your lungs receive plenty of oxygen," Healthline explained.
In her Instagram stories, Mccarvell shared a bedtime selfie with the mask on, and joked, "My sexiness has reached an all-time high in the bedroom, everyone." Her husband Scott also poked fun at her new gear.
"Tonight's joke by Scott: 'You ready for bed Maverick?,'" she added.
In a second story post, McCarvell shared multiple screenshots of fans praising the benefits of using a CPAP machine.
"Yes! Normalize CPAP at a young age," one Instagram user penned.
"It was a life changer for me," someone chimed in.
"It's the best sleep you'll ever get," a fan wrote, while another added, "It's a game changer!"
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea, a prevalent sleep disorder, is marked by recurrent interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, or apneas, are often caused by the relaxation of throat muscles, leading to partial or complete airway blockages.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Common symptoms of sleep apnea, according to Mayo Clinic, include:
loud snoring
pauses in breathing
choking or gasping
restless sleep
dry mouth and sore throat
trouble concentrating
irritability and mood changes due to lack of consistent sleep
How does sleep apnea affect Canadians?
In Canada, sleep apnea is considered a widespread issue, as it affects approximately five to 10 per cent of the population. Contributing factors often include: aging, obesity and family history.
It can affect individuals of any age, including children, but it is more commonly seen in older adults.
What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can pose a health risk, according to research. The intermittent interruptions in breathing can lead to chronic fatigue, daytime sleepiness and impaired cognitive function. Additionally, untreated sleep apnea has been linked to more severe conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and an increased risk of stroke.
In November 2022, Mccarvell shared a candid Instagram post about how her husband's acceptance of her has impacted her self-love journey.
"Honestly, the way he has always wanted to love me has never changed," Mccarvell wrote alongside a video of her and Scott dancing. "But the way I've allowed him to love me has changed drastically."
She noted that lacking self-love caused her to make it "really hard" for her husband to love her.
"I believed if I didn't like myself, how could he?" she shared. "But I have realized that the lens in which we see ourselves is not the same lens others see us through. It's unfair to our partners to assume the lenses are the same."
In hindsight, she wishes she had let her husband love her "the way he wanted to a lot sooner."
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