Experience significant cluster of CA and PB before waking?

[tbirdwilson]

Almost like clockwork, I have acceptable charts that go to hell within the last hour or two of sleep. Often, but not always, after I've woken up for a spell. I fall back asleep but my AHI climbs right up a ramp, peaking at 23 or so before dropping back down near waking. Largely CA's. Can't really make sense of it. Also have long stretches of periodic breathing during this spell. I've had a number of charts that look essentially like this one. Is this a patten others experience here? And thoughts about approaches to managing it?

[Jay Aitchsee]

It's commonly called "Sleep-Wake Junk" and it occurs due to irregular breathing while you are drifting in and out of sleep. It is nothing to be concerned about and would not be included in the AHI of a laboratory sleep analysis. It is experienced by many.

See this thread: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=113409&p=1094687#p1094245

[Sheriff Buford]

Most of my events also occur shortly before awaking. I've sorta accepted it. I'll be interested to see others comments.

Sheriff

[tbirdwilson]

Fair enough. I will try to strike it mentally from my AHI. There's no doubt that on the whole I'm in much better condition since starting CPAP, regardless of a sometimes erratic AHI and the SWJ.

What concerns me though--as I'm sure it does others--is the impact these long stretches of irregular breathing are having on my heart over time. I started having palpitations (and sudden rapid heart beat [SVT] while running) in January before I was diagnosed with SA in March of this year. I still have infrequent episodes of both, usually when I've had a bad night or when I fall asleep (rarely) for a couple of hours without CPAP. But it is possible these episodes are unrelated to this SWJ stuff in the early morning, or to SA at all. But I think there's a causal relationship.

[Jay Aitchsee]

But it is possible these episodes are unrelated to this SWJ stuff in the early morning, or to SA at all. But I think there's a causal relationship.

Then you need to see your cardiologist and sleep Dr.
You might also want to examine your life style and make sure you have no stressors which are negatively affecting your sleep. Ensure you are practicing Good Sleep Hygiene as outlined in the quote below. Exercise and the avoidance of caffeine can help to consolidate sleep and relieve anxiety.

- Practice good sleep hygiene (Google it and read several sources)
- Eat a good diet
- Have a regular, moderate exercise program
- Try to avoid daytime naps
- Practice total abstinence of caffeine including sources like chocolate (sigh)
- Review all medicines, vitamins and supplements you are taking to make sure none are interfering with sleep
- Use the bedroom for sleeping only, and make sure the bedroom and bed are comfortable.
- Learn to appropriately handle emotional stress in your life
- Use CPAP software, such as the free SleepyHead, to make sure your therapy is optimized
- If you still don't feel or sleep well, make sure you have regular medical checkups to confirm there are no other medical problems
CG