Sleep apnea and CPAP

[summer]

Sorry about not posting a link... I don't know how. However, this info is all over the internet - Google Sleep Apnea.

 

Many of these symptoms mimic withdrawal. I found this site, as well as many others, very interesting. I had/have so many of these symptoms.

 

 

Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea:

Common Signs And Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea

 

* Excessively loud or chronic snoring

* Long pauses in breathing

* Shallow breathing

* Struggling to breathe properly (including choking, snorting or gasping for air)

* Sleepiness during the day, no matter how long you sleep for.

 

Tip! If you sleep alone then you can set up a video camera or voice recorder to see if you have any of the symptoms or signs of sleep apnea.

Less Common Signs And Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea:

 

* Needing to use the toilet frequently at night

* Waking up with a dry mouth

* Waking up with a sore throat

* Insomnia

* ADHD (mostly in children with sleep apnea)

* Restless sleep

* Waking up suddenly for no apparent reason

* Morning headaches

* Anxiety

* Depression

* Impotence/lack of interest in sex

 

If you or your bed partner notice any of the signs/symptoms then it’s extremely important to consult your local doctor or a sleep specialist to get a professional diagnosis. This usually involves undertaking a sleep study or sleep apnea test. While it can be a serious (even life threatening) condition it’s also entirely treatable and most people go on to live normal lives with a few minor inconveniences.

[CymbaltaDrone]

I've snored since my teens and it's progressively worsened. 3 yrs ago I did a home test with a device that indicated I experience apnea events but below the diagnosis frequency threshold (something like 3 events per time period while you are diagnosed only if you experience 4 or more). As such I am unable to receive insurance coverage for treatment yet I'm sure that this has contributed to my struggle to maintain wellbeing and stave off depression since my teens (20 yrs now with 3 bouts of depression).

[Altostrata]

summer, to copy a link, move your mouse to the address bar at the top of your browser window, highlight it, go to Edit>Copy, then paste it where you want it in the post.

 

I just read an article about pressure stockings (!!) for sleep apnea. For some people, it's a circulation thing.

[summer]

Yeah... read the same article. Out of nowhere it seems, sleep apnea is being diagnosed more and more, and it seems the cause of so many health related problems.

 

Thanks about how to post a link.

[compsports]

Last night was supposed to be my initial start of cpap treatment for my sleep apnea since my machine arrived yesterday. Unfortunately, I found the noise unbearable in spite of trying several things and gave up after a few hours.

 

Of course, after I got my usual crummy 3 hour sleep, I realized I had to renew my efforts to find a solution. Since I fortunately have an MP3 player, I went to Amazon's site and did a search for MP3 sleep music. There are zillions of selections and the cost is practically nil.

 

By the way, the music that appealed to me the most was Flute music, which was free. While I wasn't able to get back to sleep, I did feel it helped to deal with the noise level in combination with my noise cancellation headphones. Because I felt very relaxed, I am optimistic that I may be able to sleep tonight in spite of the noise.

 

Anyway, if someone is having trouble sleeping, this might be another option to try. I am thinking it might be more useful for sleep onset insomnia vs. sleep maintenance but I could be wrong.

 

CS

 

PS - The machine I got was supposed to be one of the more quieter ones. I sure would hate to experience what the noisier ones are like

[markeymarc]

 

Hi, I've been dealing with Sleep apnea for over 8 years and depression/bipolar most of my life. Keep using the cpap machince every night, until you get use to it. IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!

 

Did you have a sleep study? if so, which machine did you use? It's not the machine noise that I hear, it's the rush of air. SO maybe it's not set right.

 

I am so tired when I don't use it, since I have 60+ interruptions an hour.

 

Don't give up!IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE! I would have 'blackouts' while driving, so it's dangerous ****.

[compsports]

 

Hi, I've been dealing with Sleep apnea for over 8 years and depression/bipolar most of my life. Keep using the cpap machince every night, until you get use to it. IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!

 

Did you have a sleep study? if so, which machine did you use? It's not the machine noise that I hear, it's the rush of air. SO maybe it's not set right.

 

I am so tired when I don't use it, since I have 60+ interruptions an hour.

 

Don't give up!IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE! I would have 'blackouts' while driving, so it's dangerous ****.

 

Thanks Mark.

 

I discovered that it was human error that was causing the noise. I hadn't plugged a hole properly. Now it is very quiet.

 

Unfortunately, the insomnia I developed from med withdrawal and dealing with undiagnosed sleep apnea is a huge issue that I have to resolve and is interfering with my getting good sleep. The same problems I posted about previously in trying to stay awake until bedtime and not fall asleep prematurely.

 

Ironically, I have had no problems getting used to the machine now that it is quiet. And so far, no mask leaks as far as I know. I can now even fall asleep without listening to the music even though I find the noise from hearing my breaths annoying.

 

Don't worry, I definitely am not giving up. I can see the difference even though I am still not getting adequate sleep. I can hardly wait when everything comes together for me.

 

Wow, you have a very severe case and had blackouts when driving. That must have been very frightening. I hope you weren't injured.

 

Fortunately, that never happened to me, thank god. But maybe because my case was moderate, it didn't get to that point.

 

CS

[compsports]

If you were me, what would you do regarding my sleep issues? To recap for those not familiar with my situation, I am unable to stay asleep on the apap machine.

 

After having the experience from h-ll with sleep doctor number two, I intend to seek another opinion but until that happens, I need to find a solution. He wrote me an ambien prescription but I just can't bring myself to fill it even though it would only cost $10. I feel like it is buying arsenic.

 

My current situation is I fall asleep very quickly but can't stay asleep. I am wondering since I have a hard time finding anything that gets me back to sleep if I should try something before going to sleep in the hope that I would sleep at least longer than 3 hours on the machine?

 

Currently, I have L-Arginine (500mg) and Glycine (which I can measure out at 1g). I am leaning toward the glycine because that is alot easier to get a low dose unlike the L-Arginine where I would be guessing at. Would you do that if you were me?

 

By the way, I understand you are only offering opinions and it is up to me to make the final decision. I take total responsibility for what I decide to do.

 

Oh, I almost forgot, I have inositol also which has helped some people with insomnia.

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

CS

[Meimeiquest]

Hi CS,

 

I have been on CPAP since Aug. It wakes me up with mask leaks, the air blowing against things, and hitting the mask against things, but all that leaves me with sleep much better than before CPAP, except for WD insomnia when it hits. Do you know what part of it bothers you? My pdoc said some people have anxiety over wearing a mask, which is totally understandable. I'll wait to hear more from you. Best, Meimeiquest

[compsports]

Hi CS,

 

I have been on CPAP since Aug. It wakes me up with mask leaks, the air blowing against things, and hitting the mask against things, but all that leaves me with sleep much better than before CPAP, except for WD insomnia when it hits. Do you know what part of it bothers you? My pdoc said some people have anxiety over wearing a mask, which is totally understandable. I'll wait to hear more from you. Best, Meimeiquest

 

Thanks Memeiquest.

 

Many times, I wake up for no reason at all. It seems like I have a 3 hour shelf life on the mask.

 

I suspect something is going on that the data isn't showing and that is why I intend to see another opinion once it is set up by the doctor's office.

 

I have no anxiety at all about wearing the mask although I wish I didn't have to wear a full face mask since it hard to control leaks.

 

Glad it is helping you.

 

Compsports.

[Meimeiquest]

How long have you been on CPAP? I think I was subconsciously afraid of sleep...I had no symptoms except snoring and freq. awakenings, but in the sleep study I averaged 92 events/hr, had a 90 sec. pause, and dropped my SaO2 to 70. Anyway, it took me a long time to relax into sleep...now I wake up all the time from WD.. When you wake up, how long does it take to go back to sleep? Are you aware of any dreams (sign of REM sleep)?

[compsports]

How long have you been on CPAP? I think I was subconsciously afraid of sleep...I had no symptoms except snoring and freq. awakenings, but in the sleep study I averaged 92 events/hr, had a 90 sec. pause, and dropped my SaO2 to 70. Anyway, it took me a long time to relax into sleep...now I wake up all the time from WD.. When you wake up, how long does it take to go back to sleep? Are you aware of any dreams (sign of REM sleep)?

 

Unfortunately, when I wake up from being on the mask after 3 hours, I can't get back to sleep on it unless I take it off which obviously is not a good thing.

 

CS

[Meimeiquest]

Can you sleep with the mask off?

[compsports]

Can you sleep with the mask off?

 

Sometimes I can and sometimes I can't. But I need to be able to sleep with the mask and that is why I was asking for advice on the best supplement to take out of the ones I had in my procession.

 

CS

[compsports]

Hi,

 

A prominent sleep medicine ENT, Steven Park, whom I like a lot, has said that many people with UARs due having hypersensitive systems, can actually end up having cpap machines cause arousals. I think this is applicable in my situation because I am convinced that in addition to apnea, I have UARs. I also feel that being on psych meds for several years has made my system extremely hypersensitive.

 

Anyway, the question now is what supplement is best going to calm the nervous system to prevent this or at least reduce the occurrences so my chances of getting back to sleep on the machine are greater? I have decided to take something before I go to sleep to see if I can stay sleep longer on the machine than the 2.5 to 3 hours I have been getting.

 

It seems that mag/glycinate would be a good choice but I would be interested in your thoughts fully understanding that you aren't medical professionals. Also, it seems I should be increasing my vitamin C to reduce cortisol since it is pretty harmless.

 

Thanks!

 

CS

[GiaK]

the yoga exercises I suggested the other day are very calming to the nervous system...yoga in general soothes the nervous system.

 

and yeah...I also do epsom salt baths daily...I've already shared my toolbox but if you want me to remind you of some of it, I'm happy to...pretty much everything I do in terms of coping/healing is about calming the nervous system

[compsports]

the yoga exercises I suggested the other day are very calming to the nervous system...yoga in general soothes the nervous system.

 

and yeah...I also do epsom salt baths daily...I've already shared my toolbox but if you want me to remind you of some of it, I'm happy to...pretty much everything I do in terms of coping/healing is about calming the nervous system

 

Thanks GiaK,

 

Thanks, I have the links and in fact, just tried it out.

 

I did try the epsom salts one night but unfortunately, they didn't keep me asleep. I think I might have used too large of a quantity so perhaps if I tried using less, that might help.

 

CS

[GiaK]

none of this stuff is cure all...it's about having practices that calm...in time they add up...I have plenty of sleepless nights when i do all this stuff. the fact is it's less stressful when I do them even if I don't sleep and over time my sleep is improving.

[compsports]

none of this stuff is cure all...it's about having practices that calm...in time they add up...I have plenty of sleepless nights when i do all this stuff. the fact is it's less stressful when I do them even if I don't sleep and over time my sleep is improving.

 

Good points.

 

It is just hard to be patient when I have been sleep deprived for months.

 

CS

[Aria]

CS,

 

I'm sorry you're having terrible sleep issues. I'm right there by you with this same problem.

 

I was very surprised I was able to go to sleep and stay a sleep slept for 2 nights (read for while and turned in). I did the same for last night and or whatever reason I didn't sleep? I'm wondering if it's become a circadian sleep issue and really would like to right it. I keep reading what's posted that maybe will help fix the erratic sleep patterns I have from psyche drugs.

 

I'm trying so hard to deal with this.

[compsports]

CS,

 

I'm sorry you're having terrible sleep issues. I'm right there by you with this same problem.

 

I was very surprised I was able to go to sleep and stay a sleep slept for 2 nights (read for while and turned in). I did the same for last night and or whatever reason I didn't sleep? I'm wondering if it's become a circadian sleep issue and really would like to right it. I keep reading what's posted that maybe will help fix the erratic sleep patterns I have from psyche drugs.

 

I'm trying so hard to deal with this.

 

I am sorry to hear you are having problems also Aria. It must be so frustrating to sleep for two nights and then be dealing with it again.

 

I think I have Advanced phase syndrome. My former sleep doctor felt that once the apnea was under control, I would stop falling asleep after dinner.

 

But even when I have had the rare good days, I still want to fall sleep around 8:30pm.

 

Do you have problems falling sleep early like me or wanting to stay up until the wee hours of the morning?

 

CS

[Aria]

 

I was very surprised I was able to go to sleep and stay a sleep slept for 2 nights (read for while and turned in). I did the same for last night and or whatever reason I didn't sleep? I'm wondering if it's become a circadian sleep issue and really would like to right it. I keep reading what's posted that maybe will help fix the erratic sleep patterns I have from psyche drugs.

 

I'm trying so hard to deal with this.

 

I am sorry to hear you are having problems also Aria. It must be so frustrating to sleep for two nights and then be dealing with it again.

 

I think I have Advanced phase syndrome. My former sleep doctor felt that once the apnea was under control, I would stop falling asleep after dinner.

 

But even when I have had the rare good days, I still want to fall sleep around 8:30pm.

 

Do you have problems falling sleep early like me or wanting to stay up until the wee hours of the morning?

 

CS

 

I have problems getting to sleep and this can be when I'm exhausted and falling over tired. I think I have Circadian "Delayed Sleep" with me going to sleep about 3-4 AM and sleeping till noon with numerous awakenings. Not having mornings interferes with things I may need to do and I'm out of options to try. I may not sleep at all twice a week and don't take naps either. I'm so darn tired from irregular and restful sleep. My neuro muscular disease desperately needs lots of sleep it's not getting.

 

I can thank years of heavy psychiatric drug prescribing for my unpleasant sleep schedule.

 

I'm open to miraculous sleep ideas'''

[Barbarannamated]

CS,

 

Forgive me if you've mentioned before, but do you feel that eating is a factor or bringing on sleep? Do you get tired after all meals?

 

I was chatting with a woman in line at pharmacy awhile back who had serious problem with inability to stay awake for a few hours immediately after eating. It was dysautonomia of some form, possibly a form of POTS. She said it took several years until a neurologist figured out what it was.

 

This is probably far off base, but thought I'd toss it in just in case.

 

I've said it before... i don't know how you do it.

[compsports]

Hi Barb,

 

All "far off base" ideas are welcomed because one of them may be what I need to look at further. Yeah, I definitely get tired after meals with the exception of the morning when I drink my caffeine quota.

 

What is POTS?

 

CS

 

CS,

 

Forgive me if you've mentioned before, but do you feel that eating is a factor or bringing on sleep? Do you get tired after all meals?

 

I was chatting with a woman in line at pharmacy awhile back who had serious problem with inability to stay awake for a few hours immediately after eating. It was dysautonomia of some form, possibly a form of POTS. She said it took several years until a neurologist figured out what it was.

 

This is probably far off base, but thought I'd toss it in just in case.

 

I've said it before... i don't know how you do it.

 

[compsports]

Hi Aria,

 

You might want to google delayed phase syndrome as apparently the treatment is light therapy I believe in the morning. Some sites also have suggested taking melatonin at a certain time although I can't remember that specific advice.

 

Forgive me if you have looked at this already.

 

I am so sorry you are suffering so much. Yup, we definitely owe our plight to psych meds, the gift that keeps on giving.

 

CS

 

 

 

I was very surprised I was able to go to sleep and stay a sleep slept for 2 nights (read for while and turned in). I did the same for last night and or whatever reason I didn't sleep? I'm wondering if it's become a circadian sleep issue and really would like to right it. I keep reading what's posted that maybe will help fix the erratic sleep patterns I have from psyche drugs.

 

I'm trying so hard to deal with this.

 

I am sorry to hear you are having problems also Aria. It must be so frustrating to sleep for two nights and then be dealing with it again.

 

I think I have Advanced phase syndrome. My former sleep doctor felt that once the apnea was under control, I would stop falling asleep after dinner.

 

But even when I have had the rare good days, I still want to fall sleep around 8:30pm.

 

Do you have problems falling sleep early like me or wanting to stay up until the wee hours of the morning?

 

CS

 

I have problems getting to sleep and this can be when I'm exhausted and falling over tired. I think I have Circadian "Delayed Sleep" with me going to sleep about 3-4 AM and sleeping till noon with numerous awakenings. Not having mornings interferes with things I may need to do and I'm out of options to try. I may not sleep at all twice a week and don't take naps either. I'm so darn tired from irregular and restful sleep. My neuro muscular disease desperately needs lots of sleep it's not getting.

 

I can thank years of heavy psychiatric drug prescribing for my unpleasant sleep schedule.

 

I'm open to miraculous sleep ideas'''

 

[ablesprout]

GiaK, would you mind posting a link to the yoga exercises you mentioned above? i tried doing a search and couldn't find them. a link to your "toolbox" would be lovely too! thank you. i'm learning a lot about patience, gentleness, and easiness with myself thru the w/d insomnia i've had for the past 3.5 months. being mindful of keeping my energy steady has been helpful too. (not overexerting or under utilizing energy.) can't say enough how grateful i am for this forum!

ablesprout

[Aria]

CS,

 

Thank you for the info about light therapy. Oh, to go to bed at 11-12 PM and sleep well till 8-9 AM would be heaven. I know what mornings look like because I'm regularly up all night to greet the dawn. No matter what shape I'm in I try to be positive.

 

I'm waiting and waiting for my sleep to readjust to something more day time friendly.

[GiaK]

hi ablesprout...sure...

 

yoga exercises I mentioned...in this post I'm not explicit about them helping insomnia and as I've suggested they're best considered a practice...something to develop so that over time they are something that soothes and heals your nervous system.

 

Belly breathing and a bit of yoga

http://beyondmeds.com/2013/01/31/simple-yoga/

 

I've slowly extended my yoga practice...all yoga can be helpful...so you may want to look at my other yoga posts as well if you're drawn to yoga...there are some links within the post and then more if you go to those posts.

 

Help for insomnia (and psych drug withdrawal triggered sleeplessness)

http://beyondmeds.com/2013/02/05/help-for-insomnia/

 

Lots of suggestions in that post and then within that post are links to these sound tracks...I'm going to highlight them as they can be quite helpful. I actually made a post of them on their own for that reason after introducing them in the above post:

 

Tracks of very soothing healing sound technology for download (good for anxiety, sleeplessness and can assist meditation)

http://beyondmeds.com/2013/03/05/soothing-healing-sound/

 

read the text as not everyone at all junctures of withdrawal find them helpful.

 

and ablesprout -- patience and paying attention goes a long way with this stuff...yoga really all about listening to the body and responding...the exercises I think of as guidelines and then I do my own thing as my body suggests.

[compsports]

Hi Aria,

 

You're very welcome. Here is a website with more specific information:

 

http://www.light4beauty.com/lightbox-therapy-SleepDisorders.html#DSPS

 

CS

 

CS,

 

Thank you for the info about light therapy. Oh, to go to bed at 11-12 PM and sleep well till 8-9 AM would be heaven. I know what mornings look like because I'm regularly up all night to greet the dawn. No matter what shape I'm in I try to be positive.

 

I'm waiting and waiting for my sleep to readjust to something more day time friendly.

 

[ablesprout]

this is so helpful, GiaK. thank you! have been reading on your blog. much comfort to be found there.

ablesprout

[Barbarannamated]

CS,

 

I'd like to retract that last thought about POTS ( Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).

 

I read a few articles and it looks like a vague diagnosis for which (drumroll, please...) one of the treatments approaches is SS/NRIs to REregulate the autonomic nervous system. The use of these drugs will never stop increasing.

 

The woman i talked with said her main symptom was inability to stay awake after eating. I'm not sure how that factors in.

[Meimeiquest]

I would just like to say how much I admire those who have endured years of insomnia after being off meds. You have shown amazing fortitude. IMHO, it is the worst symptom, just after anxiety. You are great examples!

[compsports]

No problem Barb.

 

Yup, it is pretty sick that antidepressants are the answer to everything.

 

CS

 

 

CS,

 

I'd like to retract that last thought about POTS ( Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).

 

I read a few articles and it looks like a vague diagnosis for which (drumroll, please...) one of the treatments approaches is SS/NRIs to REregulate the autonomic nervous system. The use of these drugs will never stop increasing.

 

The woman i talked with said her main symptom was inability to stay awake after eating. I'm not sure how that factors in.

 

[compsports]

I would just like to say how much I admire those who have endured years of insomnia after being off meds. You have shown amazing fortitude. IMHO, it is the worst symptom, just after anxiety. You are great examples!

 

Thanks, your kind words are greatly appreciated.

 

CS

[Christiana]

I recently did an overnight test to measure my oxygen levels when I sleep.  It's called an overnight oximetry test, which measures your oxygen levels overnight, while you're sleeping, plus how long your oxygen levels stay at a certain level.

 

During the day my oxygen levels are around the low to mid 90's.  At night, while sleeping, my oxygen levels are dropping down into the low to mid 80's.  

 

I have a sleep apnea test ordered and to be scheduled soon.  I believe it will show abnormalities also, as I wake often gasping for air.  I also snore.

 

I'm very concerned.  I'm also curious to know if anyone else has encountered this same issue.

 

Do you think protracted ssri withdrawal could have caused this? Just wondering what your thoughts are on this matter.

 

 

[LisasLove]

You might have Obstructive Sleep Apnea and/or Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome. I am not sure what psychiatric conditions you have but I have done a lot of research on Obstructive Sleep Apnea and have read that untreated OSA is linked to multiple psychiatric conditions including depression and anxiety. Do a search on Google and read the following. If you can't find it I can e-mail it to you.

 

Association of Psychiatric Disorders and Sleep Apnea in a Large Cohort

Amir Sharafkhaneh, MD

 

1,3; Nilgun Giray, MD2,3; Peter Richardson, PhD1; Terry Young, PhD4; Max Hirshkowitz, PhD1-3

1

 

Department of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; 2Meninger Department of Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston,

TX;

 

3Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX; 4University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI