Camcorded myself sleeping!

[bbeck4x4]

As far as energy before I started using cpap, I was in a similar position, my job is very physical, and I was working those 18 hour construction days, and at the end of the day that was it, I was done.

For me it took a hard 4 months to get everything right, and once I started sleeping then the hunger dropped, and the energy returned, at the same time I started eating a very low carb diet which was less than 100 carbs per day, with the combination of cpap and the low carb diet, I dropped over 50 lbs in 3 months.

SO my advice is to start getting sleep again, and then start exercise and a diet, just know that it is possible and this does work.

Brian

[john_dozer]

I tried to video myself and didn't see anything I'd consider unusual. I tested as severe.

Just thought I mention that in case someone tapes themselves and discounts the idea they have sleep apnea.

[TSSleepy]

That's an extremely good point john_dozer! I would hope that no one who felt they had sleep issues would read this thread, camcord themselves, see nothing, and just give up!

I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about sleep apnea the last few weeks, and one of the main lessons I come away with is that "everyone is different", just like in all other facets of life.

One big source of variation for untreated folk appears to be their response to apneas. In my particular case, I think I "gasp and roll" if I'm in NREM sleep, but I just "lie still and breathe irregulalry" if I'm in REM sleep.

But it turns out that the "lying still and breathing irregularly" is what adds up to my serious oxygen level drops.

But I've read of cases where people come full awake if they even approach an apnea. And I've read of cases where people lie completely still no matter how bad the apnea gets. Both of which are obviously bad for you!

So if people suspect they have sleep apnea, they should do their best to get a sleep study. And ask if they have take-home studies, if you can't sleep through a clinic study.

That being said, camcording yourself can be an interesting bit of data. Specially for us folks who sleep alone.

[kennethryan]

OK, you've convinced me to give it a try!

I've been having a lot of trouble; I've been blaming leaks but I'm wondering if the leaks are an effect rather than a cause. I suspect I'm turning or something and dislodging my mask at night (there's also the problem that due to where the strap lies across the back of my neck, I have to "hold my head high" or the lower seal blows open - Quattro FFM btw).

What I intend to try: ZoneMinder on my Linux box, I already have a capture card and a black'n'white security camera from Harbor Freight which has infrared LEDs, a mike, and a really long cord (I can't sleep in the same room as PC fans)...

We'll see if I hit any snags...