Jay Aitchsee wrote:Axel, that's exactly what I'm tyring to do - increase my deep sleep. I really don't know why I don't get any. A few theories: I had untreated apnea so long it permanently changed my sleep architecture, or being heavy drinking alcoholic (now abstinent) for years permanently changed my sleep architecture, or ongoing severe PLMD (diagnosed) causes arousals, or ongoing continual low back pain causes arousals, or ....?
Anyway, I practice all the good sleep hygiene techniques I can, like no caffeine after 11 AM, no naps, exercise daily, dark cold room, etc, etc. without success, so I'm methodically looking for a drug that might help. I have tried most of them in the past, but I had no way to monitor my sleep and I wasn't cpap compliant so I really don't know that one of them could have helped. So, I'm going through them again.
Since I've had my Zeo, I've tried three drugs and none have worked. I'm not sure it would be fair to name them since they might work for somebody. Anyway, all three are commonly prescribed for sleep disturbances. All three had similar effects; they tended to decrease deep, increase REM, and increase the number of wakenings. So, the search continues. If I find a one that works, I'll definitely post it.
Meantime, for you, I'd suggest the Zeo. In the short time I've owned it, I've become a believer. The results are consistent and objective. Although I know it's not 100% accurate, I think it does well enough to cut drug trials down to weeks instead of months and that's a good thing.
I hope you find something that helps,
Jay
Were the 3 sleeping drugs you tried prescription or otc?
My Dr wont prescribe me any of the typical sleeping drugs, since they make the airways relax more and can worsen the apnea. I can attest to it because I took an ambien from my mother and boy did I stop breathing alot those nights.
Its difficult to know what to do or try. There are so many theories out there that can cause apnea/sleep disturbances. I have read articles about low seratonin levels as a possible cause of apneas. Thyroid issues. Acid reflux. And of course anxiety and depression. Of course everyones cause may be different.
Sounds like you are going thru the process of elimination.
I myself have not eliminated all of them yet. I am going to have thyroid checked and the reg blood panel.
The strangest thing about my situation is when my osa was severe, I could still sleep for 4 or 5 hours without waking up. Since it has been downgraded to mild, I began waking up every 2 hours. Ready to pull hairs out
I do plan on purchasing the Zeo.
Best wishes
Keep us posted