Please comment on sleep test results. Thankyou

[msreef]

Hi all,

Had a sleep test done a few weeks ago. Now I am seriously considering purchasing a CPAP machine.
But I am keen for some knowledgeable people to comment on my results. Could this be why I have bad memory problems (mostly short term), and I am always tired?
If so, I am considering purchasing the REMstar Auto 560‏. Is this a good choice? Should I purchase the heated tubing upgrade?

Thanks in advance
Matt

[Julie]

Hi - do you know if you usually sleep on your back? Did anyone make a point of asking you to do so when tested? Were you tested when kept from back sleeping deliberately?

I ask because your 'apnea' is so mild as to almost not qualify, and very often such patients are considered to have 'positional' apnea - which more or less goes away once they become side sleepers (there are ways to keep you from back sleeping), but your test doesn't mention that you were tested in one or another position (which lab tests usually do).

[msreef]

Yes for the test I slept on my back. I used to sleep on my side when I was younger, but probably in the last 9 months have been sleeping on my back. Recently though, I've been trying to sleep on my stomach/side. I wasn't asked if I slept on my stomach/side/back. I wasn't held back from sleeping. The test was only for one night.
I also discovered I have had systemic candida for the last few years. I think that was a big cause of my brain fog. That took months to heal but it's gone now.
I feel much better, but am still very tired all the time, the biggest issue though is my poor memory, I'm only 26. Do you think it's best to try sleeping on my side for a few extra months and see if that helps?
My heart rate seems all over the place in the test. Is that normal?
Thanks very much.

[Julie]

Don't sleep on your back - wear a backpack with towels inside (apparently works for some), or foam wedges in behind, or whatever works to keep you on your side... and try it for e.g. a week at least and see if you feel any different. You could also have other med problems of course, and would have to be tested by your MD to look for them if you don't feel a lot better consistently when side sleeping.

[kteague]

Is there more to your test that tells about your sleep stages? Wondering how much REM you got. Some people have more events during REM. If you had too little REM during the night it may not be fully representative of how you sleep at home.

[msreef]

Ok will make sure I'm sleeping on my side.
Regarding the REM sleep info, no I don't believe so. It was a test that was done at home.