YAY! Instant positive results, new cpap user!

I ahve been on cpap for less than a month. Prior to cpap, I would wake at least three times a night and get up and go to the bathroom. Since, starting cpap, I just realized that I sleep through the night! Wow! What a wonderful result of cpap so quickly. I have been finding the need to take two hour naps around 2pm every day. Some days I actually sleep and other days I just rest. This is new since cpap. Prior to cpap, I would get sleepy at that time, but not enough to take a nap. I suppose I'll see the full benefits of cpap after another month or so. Anyways, I'm happy to be able to sleep through the night.

I hope you're using your machine for those naps, because if you don't, you'll undo all the good stuff of overnights.

Well done. I nap less often with CPAP (6 months in) but still 3-4 days a week. I only nap for 30 mins (set an alarm) and use a recliner, not my CPAP most days. Once a week I might have a bad night, feel bad then no alarm and on CPAP.

Just bought a spare machine so this may change.

Yes, I do use my cpap for all my naps. I look forward to putting it on. I guess my body associates it with a much better night's sleep.

Before cpap, I needed naps--some sneaked up on me unexpectedly, at work, etc.
After cpap, I kind of miss my nap, but I can't fall asleep unless I'm sick.

I really love my naps when I have been working hard at something, but I wake up refreshed after about 30-45 minutes. Don't bother with my mask, but will try it next time.

I regularly take 30-40 minute power naps...I blame my wonky schedule. Or being hypnotized by highway paint. I TRY to use the machine every nap, but that's a 50/50 chance. I still feel better than pre therapy.

Bugbarb wrote:I have been on cpap for less than a month.

Hi,

Keep in mind that you have been on CPAP for less than a month. Your body and brain is great a coping with problems such as sleep apnea. Your brain probably got so used to a messed up sleep schedule that it really doesn't quite know what to do right now. Many CPAP users end up essentially having to learn to sleep all over again. It took me over 6 months before I was back to normal sleeping hours, and not waking up after a few hours and not wanting to take a mid-afternoon nap. Give it some time. This is a journey. Even through you have seen a lot of progress, you have the potential to feel even that much better after another few months.

BTW, the change in your bathroom trips (from 3 down to none) is a very big indicator that you are sleeping much better. I was doing 4 to 6 bathroom trips before CPAP, and now I don't get up at all. In fact, I had some issues with being stiff and sore after being in bed for 8 hours without getting up--I simply wasn't used to it. I got over that issue, too, after a few months, but joining an exercise class probably helped the most.

-john-