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Ask HN: Has anyone else found coding easier when using a CPAP machine?

8 points by xupybd ↗ HN
Today is my first-day coding after wearing one. I'm shocked at the improvements in my focus, short-term memory and ability to intuit a solution.

I'm shocked at how much my Apnea has been limiting me. I'd love to hear if anyone else has found this.

9 comments

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Klonoar
I don't use a CPAP machine but I do use a mouth guard type deal that pulls my jaw slightly forward and ensures the airways are open, which seemingly works for my (mild) Apnea.

Once you know what it feels like to not be bogged down by Sleep Apnea, it is indeed eye opening and you will legitimately get annoyed when you miss a night of sleep without it (e.g, you forget your appliance on a trip or something). It quite literally affects everything you do.

xupybd
I'm mild as well. Only an AHI of 9.8 but wow, this is a world of difference after only one night.
agent008t
How do you get this evaluated? Is it an expensive/time-consuming process? Do you have to spend several nights sleeping in some strange lab?
Klonoar
In my case, it was just sleeping for one night with some diodes or whatever attached to me. Was able to detect when it flared up, very easy diagnosis.

My dentist of all people was the one who ordered it, but you may be able to go through other docs (I assume you can).

xupybd
I went to a GP. They referred me to a sleep clinic. I had a consultation then a referral to the test. The test was basically a data logging pulse ox meter that was mailed to me. I wore that overnight and sent it back.

They then recommended a CPAP.

dosssman
Just wanted to make it clear, but was it after sleeping with a CPAP machine ? Or coding while using the CPAP ?

Thank you for your time.

xupybd
Sorry for the ambiguity, this is after sleeping with a CPAP machine.

The improvement has come from treating my sleep apnea.

bradknowles
One of my biggest life-altering changes was when my wife finally convinced me to get sleep study for my snoring, and they prescribed a CPAP machine for me.