How Jasmine Took Control of Her Sleep Apnea—and Her Life
“Be gentle with yourself, be kind to yourself, and reward yourself in healthy ways.” – Jasmine Steele
Jasmine Steele’s story is a remarkable testament to resilience, healing, and transformation. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, mom, and passionate advocate for sleep health, Jasmine faced years of debilitating health issues stemming from undiagnosed and untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Her journey reveals the profound impact of untreated sleep disorders and the holistic approach she used to reclaim her life.
The Early Signs: A Childhood of Sleep Struggles
Jasmine’s struggles with sleep began in early childhood, marked by night terrors, sleepwalking, and teeth grinding (bruxism). These were not recognized as symptoms of a larger issue at the time. Growing up in a rural area with limited access to healthcare only compounded the problem, leaving her symptoms unaddressed.
By the time she reached adulthood, Jasmine’s health had severely deteriorated. Chronic fatigue, severe back pain requiring spinal fusions, and significant weight gain were accompanied by a sense of disconnect from her own life and memories. Despite seeing multiple specialists, her underlying problem remained undiagnosed.
The Turning Point: Discovering OSA
It wasn’t until a holistic-minded endocrinologist overheard her mention sleep apnea that Jasmine’s puzzle began to fit together. She had been flagged for sleep apnea years earlier by the VA but couldn’t tolerate CPAP due to severe claustrophobia. However, this new perspective changed everything.
Jasmine transitioned to BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) after initially struggling with CPAP. Here’s the key difference between the two:
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): Provides a single, constant pressure to keep the airway open during both inhalation and exhalation. It is the gold standard for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure): Delivers two different pressure levels—a higher pressure during inhalation and a lower pressure during exhalation. This makes it more comfortable for those who struggle with CPAP, have severe cases of sleep apnea, or have additional respiratory issues.
For Jasmine, BiPAP was a turning point. It offered the support her body needed to begin healing, although the adjustment period was challenging. For months, she battled claustrophobia, often ripping the mask off in frustration. But her persistence paid off. As she gradually became more comfortable with the therapy, her brain and body began to heal.
Addressing the Underlying Stress
Jasmine’s journey didn’t stop with treating the physical symptoms of OSA. She recognized the role of chronic stress, rooted in childhood trauma and exacerbated by her health struggles. She dove into therapies like sound healing, energy work, neurofeedback, and transcranial magnetic stimulation, which helped her rewire her brain and manage her cortisol levels.
She also focused on grounding practices, spending time in nature, and embracing holistic approaches to healing. As she put it, “We are walking batteries, and if we’re not charging our frequency, our energy isn’t flowing right.”
A New Life: Health, Purpose, and Advocacy
Through her determination, Jasmine not only managed to lose significant weight and improve her health, but she also found her calling as a life coach and patient advocate. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to health—addressing not just the physical, but also the emotional and spiritual aspects.
For Jasmine, managing OSA meant tackling every component of her health: from consistent use of her BiPAP machine to improving her nutrition, reducing stress, and embracing movement in any form. Today, she uses her experience to help others navigate their own health challenges, with a focus on underserved populations such as veterans and Native Americans.
Key Takeaways from Jasmine’s Journey
Recognize the Signs Early: Night terrors, sleepwalking, and snoring in children can be early signs of sleep-disordered breathing.
CPAP vs. BiPAP: Don’t be afraid to discuss therapy options with your doctor. BiPAP can offer an effective alternative for those who struggle with CPAP.
Persist with Treatment: Adjusting to sleep apnea therapy takes time, but persistence pays off.
Address the Whole Self: Sleep health is deeply interconnected with stress, nutrition, and emotional well-being.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Small, consistent steps lead to lasting change.
Jasmine’s Message
Jasmine’s story reminds us that healing is possible, even when the journey feels overwhelming. Her advice? Start small, forgive yourself for setbacks, and keep moving forward. As she beautifully put it, “Be gentle with yourself, be kind to yourself, and reward yourself in healthy ways.”
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea or other sleep-related issues, Jasmine’s journey offers hope and a roadmap for transformation. By treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—you, too, can reclaim your health and vitality. You can find my episode with her, here: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on Youtube.
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