Sleep on that...

Last night was my sleep study. I was surprised at how nice the technicians were. They sort of felt like long lost family tucking me into bed. They were so personable and the lady had such a soft voice. The technicians were married. I imagine if I ever worked a night shift, I'd want to work it with my husband so we could be on the same schedule. I didn't ask if they had kids. I imagine that would be nearly impossible. Anyway, they hooked up various electrodes, microphones, and wires. Next they helped me into bed.

The sleep study was a split sleep study. Meaning that half way through the night if you have 31 or more episodes of apnea, they wake you up and start a C-PAP machine. Before trying on all the wires, they had me try on various nose pieces. I was amazed. I thought they would be TERRIBLE. Surprisingly, they were not that bad. The one I picked out was simple. Two little silicon rubber pieces that looked like nose plugs slipped into my nostrils. From these pieces a tube just went up and over my head. It was light weight and comfortable. All of the options felt way better than wearing a scuba mask, so I was content. I think the nose piece I tried was new too. Apparently, C-PAP technology is improving.

Once I laid down, they had my move my eyes, wiggle my feet, breathe in various ways, etc. They said good night and left me be. The room was like a hotel room and the bed was very comfortable. I brought my own pillow and slept wonderfully. I usually only sleep on my side or back, which is good for both sleep studies and C-PAP machines. I guess you can't sleep on your belly, because that interferes with everything. Anyway, I fell asleep after a few minutes. I woke up once, I figure I had been asleep like an hour or two. I woke up one other time and thought it must be early in the morning. I was quite pleased to not be woken up to have a C-PAP put on.

At 6 in the morning, they woke me up. I am not a morning person, but was so curious to hear what they had to say. Once they started unhooking everything they told me I only had two episodes of apnea through the whole study. This meant I was not a candidate in anyway for a C-PAP machine. I was also surprised that I didn't grind my teeth at all. I guess I might just clench them sometimes, but apparently I don't have bruxism. I was very pleased with the results. I was even happier that my insurance company paid 100% of the cost of a sleep study.

A number of people asked what prompted me to get one done. Honestly, my weight loss center suggested it. I figured I would humor them and do the paperwork, then politely decline when the co-pay was too high. Imagine how surprised I was to find out I wouldn't pay anything! My parents both have apnea I'm fairly sure. My dad has a terrible time with sleep and my mom has interesting sleep patterns with snoring and such. I was very relieved to know as of right now, I sleep just fine.

As far as being creeped out by people watching me, the couple was so incredibly polite. Once I met them, I didn't even worry about it. In addition, I am not a cute sleeper. I sleep with my mouth open. I am glad I had the study done. It's sort of relief to know that I'm sleeping just fine.

In other random news I am interviewing to be a part of research project this week. They mentioned paying me for my time, but I was pleasantly surprised with the amount. If selected it would provide a nice little cushion for a vacation or some more remodeling. Part of the reason I am being considered for this research project deals with my current weight. My dear husband pointed out I might not be the right body shape anymore. While I still have a considerable amount to lose, I no longer have over a hundred pounds to shed. I no longer qualify for the Biggest Loser! I also carry my weight in such a weigh that most people have no idea how much I weigh. I'm curious though to see how overweight of a person they are looking for. I submitted my BMI when I first contacted the psychologist. They also want to make sure my personality is a match for this project. I also need to see if they have gotten final approval. Last time we visited, they were waiting for a board to vote on whether the study could take place, because it is a deception study. In this case, I am decieving the individuals, that is if I am selected. Should be an interesting experience.

In other random news, my day was totally made today when a co-workers son drew me a picture! It's so awesome. I think he tried to draw an Army tanker. He also sounded out Hoo-Rah (sorry if that's misspelled) and wrote on the tanker. Ahh, I love kiddos!

Finally, I have applied for another job. There are so many people applying for jobs right now, that I don't even expect a call back. I just think that without knowing someone in the agency, the chances of having anyone actually look at my application is slim to none. I am qualified for the position and would probably really enjoy it. It's very similar to what I do now, but far less travel and slightly better hours regarding events. I turned my application in well before the deadline, hopefully it was one of the first and they look at it. I really debated whether I should apply. The jobs pays slightly less ($1,700 per year less to be exact). However, I think it would be worth the trade off to be at home just a little more. It's another non-profit job with a well established agency. I decided there was nothing wrong with applying. If I get an interview and an offer, then I could negotiate or make a tougher decision. Until then, no bother in fretting over whether I'm willing to take a pay cut.

Well, that's it...a day in the life of N's Wonderful World.