The Convoluted Muse

I woke up early this morning; a rarity for me. You see, obstructive sleep apnea has made a good night’s rest all but impossible. I am tired all the time though I never fully reach that level of sleep which is restorative: R.E.M. sleep. The doctors have prescribed stimulants to keep me awake during the daytime; certainly preferable to falling asleep while driving but, this “quick-fix” comes at a price: even more trouble sleeping.

Over the last several years I have changed considerably. To a certain extent this is normal but the changes I speak of are far from normal, and are a symptom of an issue too long overlooked by Americans, in my opinion. I am speaking of Sleep Apnea. Those who knew me several years ago would scarcely recognize me now. My memory is hit or miss. I am often confused when I should not be. I have always had a quick, sharp mind and now I am dull and much slower. I have gained a great deal of weight, comparatively speaking. I am lethargic and have high blood pressure. I could go on and on; the point is, I have undergone a metamorphisis and feel powerless to stop it.